What is a Spotted Lantern Fly?

A Spotted Lantern Fly is an invasive species that is indigenous to China and Vietnam. It feeds on trees and have an average life span of one year. Their natural predator is  Dryinus Brown (a type of parasitic wasp), however those are not present in the U.S.  They were brought over to the U.S as eggs in a stone shipment and have been spreading since. 

What damage do they cause?

Spotted Lantern Flies feed on trees. When they do this they suck the sap out of trunks, branches, or vines. They naturally feed on trees on heaven but since those are also not native to the U.S. they tend to feed on agricultural trees such as grape and soybean plants. In more severe cases on infestation, this leaves the trees with gashes that ooze sap, making them weaker and more prone to infection. The insects also excrete liquid waste known as honeydew. This encourages growth of black sooty mold on the trees. 

What can you do to help? 

Smash them: 

When you encounter a Spotted Lantern Fly give it a good hard stomp.

Make sprays:

Pour equal parts Dawn dish soap and water into a spray bottle. When this is sprayed on a lantern fly it will kill them.

Build traps:

Build traps to put on trees that will catch them (instructions below)