Spotted Lanternflies: Best Treatment & Prevention Options

Posted on July 14, 2025

Learn More About the Invasive Pest Destroying Local Ecosystems

If you live in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Ohio, or Missouri, you’ve likely heard about the spotted lanternfly. It’s an invasive pest wreaking havoc on trees, crops, and lawns. These destructive insects feed on plant sap, weaken trees, and attract other pests with their sticky honeydew secretions.

Left unchecked, spotted lanternflies can devastate your landscape. But Kapp’s Green Lawn is here to help! In addition to our targeted treatment for spotted lanternflies, we’ve created this guide to help you identify, control, and prevent these pests.

What Is a Spotted Lanternfly?

The spotted lanternfly is an invasive species from China that first appeared in Pennsylvania in 2014. Since then, it’s spread quickly and has caused damage to trees, fruits, crops, gardens, and lawns.

Unlike solitary pests, lanternflies travel in big groups. So if you see one, hundreds more are probably close by.

Why Are Spotted Lanternflies Dangerous to Your Landscape?

These pests harm your yard in several ways:

1. They Drain Vital Sap from Plants

Lanternflies suck sap from trees and plants. This weakens the plant, stunting growth and making it vulnerable to disease.

2. They Produce Honeydew, Leading to Mold & More Pests

As they feed, spotted lanternflies excrete honeydew, a sticky, sugary substance.
Honeydew attracts:
- Ants
- Wasps
- Bees
- Other harmful insects
It also promotes a mold with a dark color that blocks sunlight and stains patios, decks, and lawn furniture.

3. They Threaten Agriculture & Local Ecosystems

Spotted lanternflies damage orchards, vineyards, and timber industries. Unfortunately, they can easily harm local plant life and reduce biodiversity as well.

How to Identify Spotted Lanternflies at Every Life Stage

Since these pests look different throughout their lifecycle, here’s how to spot them:

Egg Masses (Fall – Early Spring)

Appearance: 1-inch-long, grayish-brown, covered in a waxy, mud-like coating.
Where to find them: On tree bark, rocks, outdoor furniture, and even vehicles.

Early-Stage Nymphs (Spring – Early Summer)

Appearance: Small (¼-inch), black with white spots.

Late-Stage Nymphs (Mid-Summer)

Appearance: Larger (½-inch), bright red with black stripes and white spots.

Adults (Late Summer – Fall)

Appearance: 1-inch long, gray wings with black spots, and bright red underwings.
Behavior: They fly short distances but prefer jumping.

Learn more about identifying the spotted lanternfly in this guide from Penn State.

How to Control Spotted Lanternflies

1. Destroy the Eggs

Scrape them off surfaces with a credit card or putty knife.
Submerge eggs in rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to kill them.

Important: Avoid smashing them because this can leave viable eggs behind.

2. Trap Nymphs & Adults

Sticky bands around tree trunks catch nymphs as they climb.
DIY circle traps funnel them into a container for easy disposal.
Targeted insecticides can help reduce populations.

3. Call the Professionals at Kapp’s

For severe infestations, DIY methods may not be enough. Get in touch with Kapp’s Green Lawn, your local pest control experts. We help homeowners in the Midwest enjoy their best, pest-free property.

Get Rid of Spotted Lanternflies ASAP

Spotted lanternflies reproduce quickly, so early action is key. By identifying, trapping, and treating infestations, you can protect your lawn, trees, and local ecosystem.

Don’t let these pests take over! Schedule a professional inspection from Kapp’s today. We proudly serve communities in the Midwest, ensuring high-quality lawn care and pest control services in these areas: