What is a spotted lanternfly?
The spotted lanternfly, also known as lycorma delicatula, is a bothersome planthopper originally found in China, India, and Vietnam. In 2014, they were discovered for the first time in the United States. When not in flight, they are gray with black spots, but when they open their wings, their red and black hind wings and black and yellow abdomen become visible.
Spotted lanternfly life cycle:
The spotted lanternfly takes less than a year to go from egg to full adult.
- Eggs hatch: Spotted lanternfly eggs look like masses of mud that have been smeared. These eggs begin to hatch in May all the way through June.
- Nymphs: Spotted lanternflies have four different nymph stages, which take place from June to July.
- Adult: Anywhere from June to December, spotted lanternflies are full grown and begin looking for mates.
- Laying eggs: They mainly lay eggs at the end of the summer, but this can happen through December.
It’s important to note that adults do not survive through the winter, which is why it is important to eliminate the eggs when found!
How Are Spotted Lanternflies Harmful?
Spotted lanternflies feed on and damage a variety of plants, such as fruit trees, grape vines, and various other hardwoods. The trees and plants become weakened when the spotted lantern fly feeds on the sap of these trees and then secretes honeydew that becomes a mold. This becomes harmful to trees and attracts other harmful insects.
How Mosquito Joe of Morristown-Montclair Can Protect Your Yard:
Mosquito Joe is committed to restoring the enjoyment of the outdoors, which is why we provide spotted lanternfly treatment services. Our trained and certified Mosquito Joe technicians arrive at your property and apply a one-time treatment to the trees that these harmful spotted lanternflies are feeding on, eliminating them and preventing their spread to other plants and trees. If you need assistance getting rid of your Spotted Lanternfly problem, call us at 973-949-1020 or submit a free quote!
