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🚨 Why It's So Dangerous
The Spotted Lanternfly feeds on over 70 species of plants, including:
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Grapevines (threatening wine and grape industries)
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Apple and peach trees
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Maple trees
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Black walnut
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Hops
As it feeds, it excretes a sticky substance called honeydew, which encourages the growth of black sooty mold — a fungus that stunts plant growth and eventually kills them.
In large infestations (as shown in the tree image), these insects can destroy entire orchards and disrupt commercial farming, costing millions in crop losses.
🐞 How to Identify It
The adult Spotted Lanternfly has a distinct look:
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Gray or brown forewings with black spots
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Bright red underwings (visible only when flying)
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About 1 inch long
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Appears during late summer through fall
Young nymphs are black with white spots and later turn red before becoming adults.
🛑 What You Should Do
If you spot one:
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Kill it immediately — stomp, swat, or trap it.
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Report the sighting to your local Department of Agriculture or invasive species hotline.
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Check your car, bags, and clothing — they lay eggs on nearly any flat surface and easily hitchhike to new areas.
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Scrape and destroy egg masses (which look like mud splatters on trees, vehicles, or furniture).
🧠 Final Thought
It may feel strange or harsh to kill an insect on sight — but in the case of the Spotted Lanternfly, it’s not just recommended, it’s a public service. This pest is a major threat to local economies and ecosystems. Awareness and action are the first steps to stopping its spread.
So next time you see this polka-dotted invader, remember: don’t hesitate — eliminate
