Spotted lanternflies (Lycorma delicate) Are invader, winged insects Which are causing a lot of damage to crops and agricultural fields. So what does this mean for your backyard garden?
if you are in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware or Marylandyou are already familiar with invasive speciesIf you’re in a neighboring state, unfortunately, it may only be a matter of time before they arrive at your doorstep.
Every time a new invasive pest appears, there is a lot of excitement and concern among gardeners, and rightly so. Fortunately, these insects are not as important on the backyard scale, although they are still important. manage them properly,
These pests have a unique appearance that makes them easy to identify, and the steps you should take in your backyard if you see them are not too complicated. We have compiled all the information you need. Identify and manage spotted lanternflies In the garden.
What are they?
Before we discuss how to identify and control spotted lanternflies in the garden, let’s talk a little about the history of this pest in the United States, its effects on plants, and the severity of the problem.
While spotted lanternflies are absolutely invasive and problematic, it is important to note that they are Do not pose a threat to people or pets.Although at the farm level their feeding can cause significant losses in crop yields. It does not kill plants except grapes.,
In the United States, these pests were first detected in Berks County, Pennsylvania, in 2014. They spread throughout most of Pennsylvania, all of New Jersey, all of Delaware, most of Maryland and surrounding states, up to western Illinois.
Cornell University is providing a Updated map of lanternfly sightings by countycan use this map Check to see if these insects are in or visiting your forest.
these are insects native of china and vietnamDespite the initial quarantine in Pennsylvania, they spread to neighboring states and continue to do so. Different states are trying their own quarantines and have different rules for dealing with the spread.
For home gardeners, these lanternflies are more of a nuisance than a real problem. They feed on plant phloem (sap), a practice that does not kill the plants themselves. However, it can seriously damage plants, slowing their growth and causing disease.
Both adults and babies suck sap from the trunks and stems of plants. They eat many different types of plants, including varieties of apples, stone fruits, oaks, and pines. The wounds caused by this process make plants more susceptible to diseases and pathogens, and if enough tissue damage occurs, it can stunt growth.
Additionally, spotted lanternflies produce honeydew in a similar manner to aphids. “Molasses” refers to the sweet, sticky waste left behind by these insects. This attracts other insects and causes sooty mold, a fungal disease. inhibits photosynthesisAlso stunted growth,
Honeydew also attracts wasps. If you have a significant infestation of these invasive insects, proceed with caution. avoid wasp stings,
Spotted lanternflies prefer to feed and breed in tree of heaven (alanthus altissima), which is another invasive species that has already spread most of the united states, removing the tree of heaven from your land This is more important than ever as it appears to be a preferred breeding ground for this invasive species.
However, keep in mind that these insects have mouthparts that allow them to access plant sap. don’t bite or stingThey are not poisonous and there is currently no evidence to indicate that they are poisonous to dogs or cats.
Although these invasive insects will not spell certain death for your garden and will not harm you, your family or your pets, it is important that we do everything we can to identify and control them. They may be invasive species. harmful to the environmenteconomy, and much more so if it is not controlled.
how to identify
Spotted lanternflies are quite distinctive and easy to identify. However, they have three main stages of the life cycles (early nymphs, late nymphs and adults) in which they look different. In order to identify this invasive insect, it is necessary to know what it looks like at each stage.
Its common name is not very useful. Although they are always seenThey don’t look like flies. Its large wings look more like a moth than a fly. Also, they don’t light up like flashlights. This term actually refers to their long, juice-sucking snouts, called “lanterns.”
When hatching, these insects are considered nymphs in their initial stage. Immature nymphs have black bodies with white spots and are about ¼ inch long. This stage is most common in spring and mid-summer, between April and July.
There are actually several substages of early-stage nymphs, but they are all black with white spots. These are early stage nymphs. often confused with tics Due to its somewhat spherical appearance and small size.
Late nymphs change color. they are now mostly redIt retains its white spots, instead of black. You will most likely find nymphs in September, July and throughout the summer. The length of these nymphs is about ¾ of an inch, but their size has not yet reached a full inch.
Over time, they develop into adult lanternflies. You can see this step Beginning of July and end of NovemberThe insects, which are now about an inch long, have developed two pairs of wings. Long outer feathers cover the inner wings and body. The outer wings are slightly brown or pale pink, half covered with black spots and the other half with a brick pattern.
There are red, white and black spots on the inner wings. They have the same shade of red that was present in the bodies of the Apsaras of the last stage. Its legs and head are black, while its belly is yellow with black stripes.
With so many layers of colors and patterns, they are very distinctive. Note that you will usually see them with their outer wings folded over their back, which obscures many details. If the wings are extended, they are about two inches wide,
Additionally, you may also want to keep an eye on their egg mass. Adult females lay eggs mainly in autumn. egg pile in winterAnd the next generation lays eggs in the spring. You can find them on virtually any flat surface, from trees to outdoor furniture.
They lay their eggs in 1 inch rows and the eggs have a dirty looking cover Which hides them a little. Over time, the “mud” dries and cracks, so the distinctive eggs can be seen underneath. Depending on the color and texture of the surface these eggs are attached to, they may be obvious or completely hidden.
You should be able to tell what they look like at all stages, including their egg masses. Easily Identify Spotted LanternfliesIf you notice soot on your plants, it may also indicate that there are invasive insects nearby.
how to manage
If you see spotted lanternflies on your property, report it. Research how to do this in your specific state. Most states have phone number or online resource Which makes it easier to report these invasive insects. This is an important step that allows local authorities to track the spread.
next, don’t panicRemember that these flying insects cannot harm you and usually cause only minimal damage to plants. Although it is important that you report and handle them properly, there is no cause for concern.
In your gardens and in your patio, experts advise you Physically kills spotted lanternflies. Towns that you can easily reach. Otherwise, leave them alone and I hope so. Natural predators do their job.,
You can step on them with shoes or crush them with your hands, preferably with gloves. If destroying them this way seems inconvenient, you can trap them and put them in a glass of soapy water or rubbing alcohol, which will also kill them.
If you see egg dough, you can crush it manuallyYou can also scrape it off the surface and soak it in a bag of rubbing alcohol, which will kill the eggs.
do not spray Pesticides, chemicals, or home remedies like white vinegar can prevent infestations on your patio, plants, or outdoor surfaces. Bottom line, it won’t affect the spotted lanternfly population, but it will Desire Harm beneficial insects.Including pollinators and potential predators of the spotted lanternfly.
In fact, biological control is an important tool against these insects. Spiders, praying mantises, birds and more you will eat these insectsIt is important that we do not harm these natural predators in an attempt to control their prey.
While it may be tempting to take an aggressive stance against this invasive pest, they are not important enough to risk harming beneficial wildlife. It is also unlikely to be very effective in stopping such a vigorous pest.
If you find them on your ornamental plants or food crops, you can Try spraying them with a strong stream of water.You can also try making a circle trap, as described in detail below. penstate extensionYou can also use a shop vacuum to suck up the bugs and then dispose of them.
To protect vulnerable garden crops, especially grapes, cover them with fine mesh netting. Make sure the trap is secure at the edges, otherwise insects may enter.
Otherwise, do what you can to provide ideal conditions for your plants. make sure they are getting enough sunlight, WaterAND NutrientsBe alert if any other pest and disease problems arise. Healthy plants will fight the aggressive spotted lanternfly better.
