Spotted Lanternfly

When we first started hearing reports on the Spotted Lanternfly, I’m sure most people half listened and didn’t really take it seriously. I, for one, a very big fan of polka dots, thought the creature was rather pretty and wondered how it could be so destructive. As I learned more about the evils of this insect, they are not so pretty. As a matter of fact, when I see those decorative wings now, I am horrified.

I am not writing this article so much to educate anyone on the Spotted Lanternfly. There is information about it everywhere. My purpose is to encourage – actually beg – you to take this insect and it’s ravages very seriously.

This spring I saw nymphs in my yard for the first time. Little black and white polka dotted bugs on My Lilacs! My Lilacs!! Let me tell you about my Lilac bushes. On the south side of my property, the fragrant plants stretch 50 feet. On the north side are Double white French from my grandmother, lavender and 3 Persian (a gift from my neighbor). In the front is another from my grandmother and a larger flowered variety by the front steps. Each year, I have hundreds of blooms. When they are finished, I spend weeks cutting all the dead blooms off and carefully pruning any branches in need. Nymphs on my Lilacs, disguised as a pretty polka dotted insect!!

I never saw the next stage of these monsters. They are crafty. A few short weeks later, the leaves began to curl and wither. Now where my glorious Lilacs stood only 3 months ago, are a row of dead bushes. I noticed other leaf curl, burn and damage on my property. All research pointed to the dreaded Spotted Lanternfly. Article after article talks about what plants they attack, how they bore into the base of the plant and bleed it dry and what their eggs look like. But, who is doing what to stop this pestilence?

Suddenly, 2 weeks ago, I saw one by my Maple tree. I drowned it with insecticidal soap. Then a second one. I did the same. I quickly realized that 2 Spotted Lanternfly in the same place was much more insidious than chance. I sprayed the bark of the tree. It came alive with hundreds of these creatures that I hadn’t seen, crawling like an army of cockroaches further and further up the tree, on every branch.

2 Things “they” recommend against the Lanternfly – insecticidal soap and vinegar. I got a gallon of vinegar and sprayed the tree, watching them jump and fall. I have scoured my yard, finding infestation on my Pussy Willow. At work, I carry a spray bottle of vinegar. They are everywhere.

The only hope we have is for everyone to act. People can no longer file the information away or think it is happening somewhere else. This message is for you. Become familiar with the eggs and destroy them. Examine the base of your trees from damage and treat with systemic. Destroy the insects in every stage. Straight white or apple cider vinegar works. You can make your own insecticidal soap with a 50/50 mixture of Dawn dish soap and water.