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Spotted Lanternfly Management For 2020 Spring Egg Hatch
Hibu Websites • Apr 02, 2020
Explore the latest information and techniques for eliminating spotted lanternflies as soon as they hatch in spring.
| An early spring means warmth, flowers, and eminent hatching of thousands of Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) egg masses. Most likely the hatch will begin in southern Pennsylvania in mid- to late-April and lag by a week or so in more northern counties. The majority of SLF hatch (more than 50%) will likely be in mid to late May.
As the first instars of SLF hatch from the eggs they instantly seek tender plant tissue on which to feed. (An instar or nymph is an immature insect stage. SLF goes through four instars before becoming an adult.)
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Spotted lanternfly nymphs are black when they hatch, a later stage is red. Photo credit: Stephen Ausmus, USDA.
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The tiny first instar is just 1/8 inch long. It moves quite quickly by crawling and, like the stages to come, is also a good hopper. Because it is so tiny, its white spots are not readily apparent, and it is often mistaken for a small spider or tick. Or it is simply not noticed at all.
Spotted Lanternfly Black Nymph PDA. Photo credit: PA Department of Agriculture
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The second and third instars are nearly identical to the first, but for increasing size. The fourth instar is quite noticeable, at ½ inch, with a bright red body, black stripes and white spots.
The progression through the four nymph stages takes roughly from April through July, with adults developing in late July through the fall. It is common to see several stages simultaneously. |
What to do?
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Spotted Lanternfly RED nymph PDA. Photo credit: PA Department of Agriculture
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- If you are not able to destroy more egg masses, the next step is to prepare for the hatchlings. Below is a simple tree band trap that can kill hundreds of SLF instars, in all four stages, as well as many adults. This trap works because it exploits the insects’ strong instinct to climb upward.
Start with a roll of wide sticky flypaper, typically either 3 to 4 inches or 9 to 10 inches across. The wider bands are usually more economical, as they may be easily scored to provide narrower bands as needed. These are sold at many hardware or farm supply stores and can be ordered online. Duct tape does not work well, as its stickiness deteriorates quickly when exposed outdoors.
| This four-and-a-half minute video
demonstrates how tree banding can be done.
There is also an excellent spotted lanternfly banding factsheet on the Penn State Spotted Lanternfly website, which is available in quantity for handout at meetings. Your county Penn State Extension office may have it in stock or can order it. |
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For nymphal stages of SLF a 3-inch band serves quite well and is easily handled. Use a utility knife to score the wider bands into thirds. This can be done after flypaper is rolled out, as shown in the video, or right on the roll.
Fit a single band around your tree at about 4 feet from the ground.
The narrower bands will usually hold well to the tree if the ends are stuck together by overlapping. If the tape seems insecure or if there are large gaps on the lower edge, use push pins to secure against the trunk.
The narrower bands will usually hold well to the tree if the ends are stuck together by overlapping. If the tape seems insecure or if there are large gaps on the lower edge, use push pins to secure against the trunk.
It is important to guard against accidental capture of songbirds, butterflies, and other valuable creatures. This is easily accomplished by placing a guard of chicken wire or window screening outside the band, extending several inches above and below the tape. During the spring when many pollinating insects are flying, a drape of cheesecloth or woven garden fabric over the wire guard will keep valuable insects from flying onto the tape.
If SLF is present on your property, you’ll soon find nymphs stuck on the lower edge of the tape. They may be left for several days, until the tape is too full to be effective. Then remove the wildlife guard, roll the used tape in on itself and place in the trash. Then put up a fresh band and replace the guard.
Tree banding. Photo credit: Elizabeth Finlay
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