The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) may look colorful and almost beautiful at first glance, but make no mistake — this invasive insect is a destructive pest. Since its arrival in Pennsylvania in 2014, it has steadily spread throughout the Northeast. Now, Massachusetts and Connecticut homeowners are being urged to keep watch for this unwelcome visitor.
At American Pest Solutions, we understand how quickly pests like the spotted lanternfly can disrupt daily life and damage our environment. Our mission is not only to protect homes and businesses but also to give residents the tools and knowledge they need to stay ahead of emerging threats.
Why the Spotted Lanternfly Is Such a Big Deal
Unlike many pests that target just one or two host plants, the spotted lanternfly feeds on more than 70 different species of trees, vines, and crops. This includes grapes, apples, peaches, maples, and hardwoods, all of which are vital to local agriculture and ecosystems.
Their feeding doesn’t always kill plants outright, but it weakens them, leaving them more vulnerable to drought, disease, and other pests. For homeowners, this means beloved shade trees, fruit trees, and landscaping plants could suffer or decline over time. For farmers and orchard owners, the economic impact is even greater. Vineyard losses, in particular, have been devastating in some states where lanternfly populations are high.
On top of that, spotted lanternflies produce honeydew, a sticky waste product that coats leaves, decks, furniture, and vehicles beneath infested trees. This honeydew encourages the growth of black sooty mold, which looks unsightly, damages plants further, and creates an ongoing cleanup problem for property owners.
How to Spot Them in Your Yard
Knowing what to look for is one of the best defenses against the spread of this pest.
Here’s a quick guide to their life cycle:
Egg Masses - Laid in late fall, these resemble gray or tan smears of mud or putty on trees, rocks, vehicles, and outdoor surfaces. Each mass contains 30–50 eggs.
Nymphs - From spring through summer, nymphs first appear as small black insects with white spots, later turning red with both black and white markings.
Adults - By late summer, the lanternfly matures into its most recognizable stage. Adults are about an inch long with gray forewings and black spots. Their hindwings, visible during flight, are bright red with black spots and a white band.
You may also notice large numbers of insects clustering on tree trunks or branches, sap oozing from wounds on trees, or sticky honeydew buildup on outdoor surfaces.
Stopping the Spread
One of the most challenging things about spotted lanternflies is how easily they spread. Because they lay eggs on almost any hard surface, they often hitchhike on firewood, campers, cars, lawn furniture, or even packages left outdoors. A single unnoticed egg mass can introduce dozens of new pests to a new area.
Homeowners can play an important role in slowing the spread:
Inspect Regularly - Check vehicles, campers, outdoor furniture, and firewood for egg masses before moving them.
Destroy Eggs - Scrape egg masses into a container with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to ensure they’re destroyed.
Remove Host Plants - If possible, eliminate tree-of-heaven (an invasive species itself) from your property, as it is a preferred host.
Report Sightings - Contact your state agricultural department if you find spotted lanternflies, especially in new areas where they may not have been documented.
By taking these steps, homeowners help protect not just their own property but the larger community as well.
When Professional Pest Control is Necessary
While do-it-yourself methods can help, managing a spotted lanternfly infestation often requires professional intervention. At American Pest Solutions, our experts are trained to identify infestations, recommend targeted treatments, and implement strategies to reduce lanternfly populations. We also provide guidance on how to protect your trees, gardens, and outdoor spaces from long-term damage.
The spotted lanternfly poses a serious threat to agriculture, natural resources, and quality of life across Massachusetts and Connecticut. By staying alert, taking preventive steps, and working with trusted professionals, we can limit the spread of this invasive pest.
If you believe you’ve spotted lanternflies on your property, don’t wait. Contact us online or call (413) 966-1095 today for expert identification, guidance, and effective pest control solutions to protect your home, yard, and community.