Spotted Lanternfly
The Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive species that threatens Pennsylvania’s agriculture and homeowners’ trees. SLFs attack fruit trees and feed on the sap in the trunks, leaves, and branches of trees.
How do I know if Spotted Lanternflies are on my property?
The SLFs have several different life stages. They can exist in most of the following stages throughout the summer. The following graphic from the Bucks County Conservation District shows the different life stages:
Because of how the SLF uses its mouth to feed on sap, it will leaves wounds on the trees. These wounds will leave a greyish/black trail along the bark. As the sap is extracted, the wounds can attract bees and other insects, or fungi and mold can grow on the wounds.
More information about SLFs is available on this Fact Sheet.
Reporting a Sighting
If you see SLFs at any of the above stages in the community or on your property, you can report the sighting here.
Steps of Spotted Lanternfly Management
Top Tips for Dealing with Spotted Lanternflies
- Destroy the bugs. Smashing or Stepping on them is an effective and non-invasive method.
- Spray them with a spray bottle of insecticidal soap.
- Capture them in a bottle.
- Vacuum them.
- Wrap the tree trunks with sticky tape or duct tape (SLFs stick to them).
Additional Resources
Spotted Lanternfly Management for Homeowners
Have you seen a Spotted Lanternfly?
Contractor's Guide to Spotted Lanternflies
Spotted Lanternfly Hotline 1-888-422-3359