The Spotted Lanternfly was introduced into the Mid-Atlantic region.The Spotted Lanternfly was first discovered in Berks County, Pennsylvania and has since been found in five states.The farming and logging industry in the affected areas are at risk due to the Spotted Lanternfly.
Step 1: The Spotted Lanternfly has a life cycle.
The SLF is a true bug and not a fly.Tree of Heaven, fruit trees, grape vines, and pine trees are some of the host trees that the SLF lays eggs in.The eggs hatch in May.Immature SLFs go through four stages.The nymphs can be easily removed from the plant.
Step 2: Know the appearance of immature SLFs.
The nymphs start appearing in May and go through the stages of development until July.It is easier to remove immature bugs than it is to destroy them.
Step 3: Know the size of the eggs.
Eggs can be laid on trees, plants, outdoor equipment, and vehicles.The egg mass is usually brown in color and resembles tree bark.
Step 4: Determine if you live in an area that's been declared a no fly zone.
Several states have imposed restrictions on transporting items from areas that have been declared SLFs.There are restrictions for transporting material in certain zip codes in Northern New Castle County.Quarantines have been issued in several counties.Goods from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Virginia are not allowed in the state of New York.Berks, Carbon, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, and Schuylkill Counties are under aQuarantine.The city of Winchester is under aQuarantine.
Step 5: Follow your state's guidelines when transporting material.
Eggs and immature SLFs should be destroyed by residents during April to June.A permit is required for moving material from restricted areas.Businesses or individuals transporting material to or from New Jersey or Pennsylvania must have a permit..The state of New York requires a certificate of inspection for the transport of plants, trees, agricultural products, and other items from the SLF impacted states.Pennsylvania requires businesses transporting material to have a permit.Businesses in Frederick County and the city of Winchester are required to have a permit to transport items from those areas.
Step 6: A permit is needed to transport material.
Business have to take a course in handling spotted lanternfly and pass an exam to get a permit in some states.You can find the requirements for each state on their websites.There is a training course and exam offered by Delaware and Pennsylvania.Upon successful completion, Pennsylvania will give a permit for a year.The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has a permit for New Jersey.New York has collaborated with other impacted states and requires documentation that any traveler transporting material to or from a quarantined area have documentation listing the origin and destination of any items they are carrying.The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has made available a free, two-hour online course that complies with the requirements of all states affected by the SLF.There is an online course for $6.00 from the Virginia Department.Upon successful completion of the course, applicants can apply for a permit.
Step 7: The egg mass can be destroyed.
Egg masses can be found on hard surfaces such as trees and cement blocks.You can put them in a container filled with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer if you want to.
Step 8: The trees are hosted by a band.
Newly hatched nymph can be trapped by placing tape around the sticky side of the tree.To avoid trapping small animals and friendly insects, use a narrow band.
Step 9: Host trees should be eliminated
The Tree of Heaven can reach up to 100 feet tall and is the SLF's preferred host tree.If you want to prevent new growth from the stump, you will need to apply a pesticide to the tree.
Step 10: It's a good idea to apply a pesticide to trees.
The bark of a tree can be applied with an insecticide to kill pests.It can be done by spraying the tree, injecting the insecticide, or as a soil drench.There is a list of pesticides used for SLF control.Follow directions and keep in mind that these chemicals are toxic.A tree care specialist can treat the plants professionally.The tree bark has an insecticidal substance applied to it.Home and garden stores have some contact insecticides.You can apply it to the tree trunk or individual leaves.The soil surrounding the tree needs to be sprayed with systemic insecticide.Host plants have a root system.The tree's growing season is May through September.Inject it into the tree.A tree care professional will inject the tree with specialized equipment.
Step 11: Individual insects should be destroyed.
If you see an adult Lanternfly, try to kill it.The Lanternfly will not sting or bite if disturbed.If you want to kill insects, crush or swat them.If you can reach the insect, stepping on or swatting is the best way to kill it.There are insects that you can spray.You can spray the spotted lanternfly with a solution of dish soap and water.If you attempt to spray the insect with a toxic substance, it is likely to do more harm than good.