Every summer, much of the East Coast gets to know a small, but very annoying bug — the spotted lanternfly. This dangerous pest has been making its presence known in large numbers since 2014. The spotted lanternfly has no known natural enemy in the U.S., and their population has been increasing exponentially. This summer, they seem to be popping up just about everywhere.
Spotted lanternflies are not only a nuisance but they can also be very damaging to farms and forests. They feed off of a variety of crops, including apples, grapes, hops, walnuts, and maple trees. If left unchecked, the spotted lanternfly can cause massive crop losses.
So what can be done to squash these buggy critters? The best way to get rid of spotted lanternflies is by physically removing them from trees and plants. If you spot a cluster of them, grab a stick and swat them away. You can also use sticky traps to catch them. If you have an orchard, you should invest in netting to keep them from infesting the trees.
In addition, you can set traps filled with a light, sweet-scented lure. These will attract the i spotted lanternflies and trap them inside. Another idea is to make a DIY lanternfly-catching jar. Take a clear glass or jar, fill it with soapy water and a funnel. The lanternflies won’t be able to resist the sweet-smelling lure and will fly down the funnel into the soapy water, where they will drown.
Finally, there are some insecticides you can use to kill spotted lanternflies. Be sure to read the directions carefully, as it’s possible to do more harm than good if you use them incorrectly.
Spotted lanternflies are a nuisance and can cause costly damage to farms and forests. If you want to get rid of them, the best way is to arm yourself with the appropriate knowledge and tools to squash their buggy brains out!
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