Since its arrival in the US from China in 2014, the lanternfly has been wreaking havoc on plants and wildlife. This small insect has a surprisingly large capacity for destruction. Lanternflies feed on plant sap, which weakens trees and plants, making them more susceptible to diseases and other pests. They also produce a sticky substance called honeydew, which encourages the growth of sooty mold. This mold can interfere with photosynthesis, putting our green spaces at risk of decline.

Identifying lanternflies is relatively easy. The adult wings are gray with black spots, while the underwings display a striking red and black pattern. The underwings measure about an inch in length.

Nymphs start their lives with black bodies adorned with white spots that eventually turn red as they mature. Their needle-like mouths are designed to slice through plants and suck out sap, draining the plants of their vitality.

If you spot a lanternfly, it’s important to take immediate action. Whether it’s an adult or a nymph, squash it on sight. For egg masses, you can eliminate them by scraping them into a bag with hand sanitizer or alcohol.