We always get a plague of spotted lanternflies during the summer. Here are some Ways to Get Rid of Spotted Lanternflies to bring you back your sanity in case you have to deal with these pests.

Here are some Ways to Get Rid of Spotted Lanternflies to bring you back your sanity in case you have to deal with these pests.

Ways to Get Rid of Spotted Lanternflies

There are many different pests that like to move into our homes uninvited. From rats and mice to cockroaches and termites, all of which can make your skin crawl, and all of which can be a massive pain to deal with. One pest which doesn’t get the PR of some of the better-known critters is the spotted lanternfly, but an infestation of these bugs can be a nightmare. Originating from Asia, spotted lanternflies were first found in the US in 2014 but they are already notorious because of the damage they can do to agriculture. If you see a spotted lanternfly anywhere, it is vital that you take the correct steps.

Here are some expert ways to get rid of spotted lanternflies.

1. Identify the Spotted Lanternflies

The first thing you need to do is identify that the insects on your property are indeed spotted lanternflies. The adults are around an inch long, half an inch wide, and have a large outer set of white wings with black spots on them. Underneath this set of wings, you will be able to see that the fly has a bright red back. The larvae and nymphs of the spotted lantern transition through various stages of appearance and their eggs are located in small, yellow egg cases which you will find attached to smooth surfaces.

2. Contact Your Local Agricultural Authority

Because spotted lanternflies are so destructive, if you suspect that the pests on your property are indeed spotted lanternflies, you should contact your local agricultural authority immediately. The different states have different policies for dealing with an infestation and some may send exterminators to your property or they may advise you what steps to take yourself.

3. Hire a Professional Exterminator

If it is left to you to deal with your lanternfly infestation, the next thing you absolutely must do is to hire a professional exterminator. They will use a special Spotted Lanternfly treatment on all your outdoor surfaces and shrubs. This will kill the lanternflies immediately and will continue to kill any that land on those surfaces in the future. The treatment will need to be done according to the weather forecast because rain will wash the chemicals away making it ineffective. The chemicals used will not cause any damage to your trees or any of the other surfaces where it is used.

 

4. Put Banding on Your Trees

Your exterminator will also put special bandings on your trees which has an adhesive that traps the lanternflies as they climb up your trees. These bands are around ten inches wide and are very effective in preventing adult and juvenile spotted lanternflies from doing major damage to your trees.

 

While no pest infestation is pleasant, spotted lanternflies can cause major. Major problems so it is vital that we all play our part in eradicating this pest. Make sure you look out for the signs of these pests and if you see any, contact the relevant authorities. Follow the steps in this article and it will help to rid the country of these hugely destructive insects.