These invasive planthoppers are spreading across the country, but there's a lot we can do at home to stop them.
Spotted Lantern Flies Are Spreading Across the U.S., What To Know
Published on May 22, 2025
Spotted lanternflies are strikingly beautiful, but the species is a growing nightmare for farmers and their crops. Since their accidental introduction into the U.S. a decade ago, the insects have spread rapidly throughout the East and Midwest. Just this spring, as they began to hatch, Ohio’s Department of Agriculture put 18 of the state’s 88 counties under quarantine to try to stop the movement of materials that could harbor them.
“Given their rapid expansion throughout the U.S., I expect more states will see spotted lanternflies this year,” says Emma Grace Crumbley, an entomologist with Mosquito Squad Plus. “Many states are urging citizens to learn how to identify their eggs, nymphs and adults, and squish them if seen.
Here is what to know about the nature of spotted lanternflies, what you should do if you see one and how you can help stop their spread.
What Is a Spotted Lanternfly?
A spotted lanternfly, aka SLF, is a planthopper insect with a distinctive chunky appearance, black head, speckled gray forewings and bright-red hindwings.
“The color scheme is a defense mechanism to keep birds away,” says Jim McHale, an entomologist with JP McHale Pest Management. “Their grayish-brown wings allow them to camouflage against tree bark, and their vibrant red hind wings are hidden while at rest.”
Adult spotted lanternflies are about 1 inch long and 1/2 inch wide when at rest. Nymphs are smaller and wingless, appearing bright red with black dots, or black with white dots.
“As these pests prefer to lay their eggs on and feed on trees, spotted lanternflies tend to rest on vertical surfaces like trees, walls, fence posts and screen windows,” says Crumbley.
Is the Spotted Lanternfly an Invasive Species?
Yes, spotted lanternflies are originally native to parts of China and Vietnam. Since they have few natural predators in the U.S., they are spreading aggressively, causing significant economic damage to crops. They also pose a threat to native foliage.
How Did the Spotted Lanternfly Come to the U.S.?
It’s speculated that some Spotted Lanternfly eggs accidentally entered the U.S. on goods in shipping containers, and were first spotted in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in 2014.
Upon arriving in the U.S., spotted lanternfly populations were able to take advantage of the climate and food resources to spread rapidly. Their eggs and nymphs also continue to travel via shipments of lumber and on other goods, and are now found in eighteen states throughout the eastern U.S. from New York to Georgia and west to Illinois.
“Spotted lanternflies have spread like wildfire,” says Joe Malinowski with Pest Authority. “Despite aggressive quarantine steps taken by several Northeastern states, they continue to march on.”
Are Spotted Lanternflies Dangerous?
No, Spotted Lanterflies aren’t dangerous to humans or pets, as they don’t bite or sting. But their large numbers can be alarming, as they tend to cluster in groups of 30 to 50 bugs.
They are, however, dangerous to agriculture. They can cause serious damage to some hardwood trees, fruit trees and many crops, especially grapes, apples, hops, grains and herbs.
“Groups of these bugs feeding on the same plant can significantly stress and even kill it,” says Crumbley. “Spotted lanternflies also produce honeydew when feeding, which is a sticky, sweet substance that can attract other pests like ants and rodents and promote the fungal growth of molds on plants.”
What Good Are Spotted Lanternflies?
There are actually a few, albeit small, redeeming qualities of spotted lanternflies. Some birds have been observed to eat them, such as Northern cardinals and gray catbirds, though not yet in high enough quantities to stop the spread. Their honeydew can also be harvested by honeybees to make smokier tasting honey.
“Some apiaries in northern states have begun selling spotted lanternfly honey in addition to their usual wares,” says Crumbley.
But perhaps most notably, they have been unknowingly fostering community activism. “This pest has uniquely brought together citizens and scientists, and that has been effective at slowing the spread,” says Crumbley. “Moreover, people are taking this pest seriously, which marks an achievement in bridging scientific communication and community action to protect and preserve native environments.”
What To Do If You See a Spotted Lantern Fly?
The Department of Agriculture is asking everyone to kill lanternflies. Many states recommend capturing them in plastic water bottles or baggies, sealing the containers and throwing them away — though you can just squish them as well.
It’s also important to destroy their eggs, which they plant in masses that look like smeared grayish mud. Look for those on trees, outdoor furniture and play sets.
“Each female can lay over 100 eggs in the fall, so eliminating even one this summer can greatly reduce future populations,” says McHale. “The adults will stay active into October laying their eggs, which is why it’s important to be especially vigilant to prevent infestations in the fall.”
How To Get Rid of Spotted Lantern Flies
It’s not enough just to smash adults. If you have spotted lanternflies in your area, you’ll also need to thoroughly destroy their egg masses. “It’s a mistake to assume winter kills them all,” says David Price, a pest control expert with Mosquito Joe. “Adults do not survive the winter, but lantern fly eggs survive and hatch in spring.”
Scrape off Eggs
To get rid of eggs, Price and others recommend:
- Scrape them off with a plastic card, putty knife or other hard, tapered object.
- Place them in a bag with rubbing alcohol or smash them thoroughly.
- If you spot them on a tree, call a pest control company. They may perform both treatments to the trees and soil.
“Many homeowners will attempt to remedy the problem themselves, which can be a daunting task depending on how established an infestation may be,” says Malinowski. Also, “if a Tree-of-Heaven is on the property, it is recommended to remove it. It’s the pests’ entrée of choice.”
Be Vigilant
If you live in an area where spotted lanternflies have been found, regularly inspect trees and outdoor items, including furniture, for egg masses. Females lay eggs from September until the first frost, so it’s especially important to inspect for and destroy eggs in the fall and winter, before they hatch in the spring.
Also, “Check your vehicle, recreational gear and any other outdoor equipment that you plan to travel with, and remove and destroy any egg masses you find on these surfaces,” says McHale.
How to Prevent an Infestation
To prevent spotted lanternflies from spreading, besides crushing adults, nymphs and eggs, it’s also important to report sightings in your area — along with a photo or sample if possible — to your local government and your state’s Department of Agriculture or Natural Resources.
To protect susceptible plants from spotted lanternfly damage, add nets, mesh or tarps to cover them during peak seasons. Additionally, some pest management professionals have begun offering spotted lanternfly treatments.
As for protecting your home, spotted lanternflies typically do not come indoors on purpose, says Crumbley. However, they can wander through open doors, windows and gaps including window air conditioning units. To prevent accidental invasions, seal unwanted entry points and consider adding a mesh or screen to open doors and windows.
About the Experts
- Emma Grace Crumbley is an entomologist at the national pest control franchise Mosquito Squad Plus and a self-described bug nerd who uses her expertise to educate people about the fascinating world of bugs.
- David Price is a pest control expert with the national pest control franchise Mosquito Joe. He has more than 26 years of experience in the industry.
- Joe Malinowski is VP of Pest Management at the national franchises Mosquito Authority and Pest Authority.
- Jim McHale is an entomologist and CEO of JP McHale Pest Management, which services more than 6,000 residential and commercial customers throughout the New York region.
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