Spotted lanternfly is an invasive pest first discovered in Bucks County in 2014. Learn more about this destructive pest here.
Spotted Lanternfly Life Cycle
(Photo credits: PA Department of Agriculture)
Egg Masses
Instar (stages 1-3)
Instar (stage 4)
Adult
When You’re Likely To See Them
Lanternflies lays their eggs in September-December. The first instars (black with white spots) hatch in May-June and grow over the summer months into fourth stage instars (red with white spots), finally reaching adulthood in July-August.
Why They’re a Problem
Spotted lanternflies destroy trees and plants. They can also attract bees and wasps to your property.
The lanternfly feeds on sap from over 70 different plant species found in Pennsylvania. As it feeds, the lanternfly excretes honeydew (a sugary substance) that can attract bees, wasps, and other insects.
How We Treat for Spotted Lanternfly
We can treat for spotted lanternfly using a soil injection or tree surface treatment, depending on the time of year, as recommended by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. We use only approved products that are considered safe for use on trees.