What You Really Need to Know About the Spotted Lanternfly—And Why It’s Not Just Another Pretty Bug
- ER Kent
- Jul 27, 2025
- 4 min read
With its speckled wings, blush-colored underwings, and elegant moth-like shape, it might seem like something you’d admire in a garden or on a walk through the woods
At first glance, the spotted lanternfly looks almost... beautiful.
But don’t let those good looks fool you. Behind those flashy wings is one of the most destructive and fast-spreading invasive pests in the U.S. right now.
Whether you’ve seen them in your backyard or just heard about them in the news, here’s the scoop on what these bugs are, why they’re a problem, what they look like, where they live, and most importantly—how to get rid of them.
What Is the Spotted Lanternfly, Anyway?
The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive planthopper native to China, Vietnam, and parts of India, where its population is kept in check by natural predators. But it was first discovered in the U.S. in 2014 in Berks County, Pennsylvania, and it’s been spreading ever since.
Despite its name, it’s not a fly at all—it’s actually part of a group of insects known as planthoppers. It doesn’t sting, bite, or hurt humans or animals. But for plants, especially trees, fruit crops, and vineyards, it can be devastating.
According to the USDA, this pest feeds by piercing plant stems and sucking out sap, weakening the plant and leaving behind a sticky mess that attracts mold and other pests. It's especially fond of grapes, hops, maple trees, and over 70 other species of trees and crops.
Where Did It Come From and How Did It Get Here?
The most likely explanation? Eggs hitchhiked their way to the U.S. on cargo shipments from Asia, particularly from China. Once established, the insects multiplied quickly and have been spreading through natural movement and human transport, especially by laying eggs on vehicles, outdoor equipment, and firewood.
Now they’ve been found in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio, and New York, with sightings in dozens more states, according to the Penn State Extension.
What Does It Look Like? Spotting the Spotted Lanternfly
One of the reasons this pest is spreading so easily is that it goes through several stages—and not all of them look like what you'd expect.
Egg Masses: Laid in late fall, they resemble muddy gray patches, often found on tree trunks, rocks, vehicles, patio furniture, and other outdoor surfaces.
Nymphs: From spring through early summer, they’re tiny and black with white spots. As they mature, they turn red with black and white markings.
Adults: By mid-to-late summer, they reach full size. The adults are about an inch long, with gray wings covered in black spots and brilliant red underwings that flash when they jump or fly.
You can see all stages in a helpful visual guide from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Why Is It Such a Big Problem?
This isn’t just a backyard nuisance—it’s an agricultural threat with major economic implications. The spotted lanternfly feeds on the sap of valuable crops like grapes, apples, hops, and hardwood trees, draining the plants of energy and leaving them more vulnerable to disease.
Worse still, the sugary waste it excretes (known as honeydew) promotes the growth of sooty mold, a black fungus that can coat leaves, block photosynthesis, and ruin harvests. That mold also attracts ants, wasps, and other insects, creating a cascading pest problem.
In Pennsylvania alone, officials estimate that the lanternfly could cause hundreds of millions of dollars in agricultural losses annually if it’s not controlled.
How Long Does It Live and When Should You Watch Out?
The spotted lanternfly has one generation per year, but don’t let that lull you into complacency.
Eggs are laid in fall (usually September through November) and hatch in late spring (May or June).
Nymphs develop through the summer, molting several times before becoming adults in July or August.
Adults lay eggs again in fall, and the cycle begins anew.
According to Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, adults don’t survive the winter, but the egg masses can, which is why it’s crucial to find and destroy them before spring.
How to Get Rid of the Spotted Lanternfly (Yes, You Should Kill It)
We know it feels a little odd to squash something that looks so lovely, but in this case, it’s the right thing to do. Officials from multiple state and federal agencies are asking the public to kill spotted lanternflies on sight. Seriously.
Here’s what you can do:
Smash them: Yes, stomp them or swat them with a fly swatter. They're quick but clumsy, and you’ll usually get a second chance.
Scrape and destroy egg masses: Use a plastic card or putty knife to scrape egg clusters into a bag with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to kill them. Here’s how, courtesy of Cornell University.
Use circle traps on trees: You can wrap tree trunks with sticky bands or use funnel-style traps to catch nymphs as they climb.
Avoid moving firewood or outdoor gear without checking for egg masses.
Report sightings to your local agriculture department or extension office. In some states, there are even mobile apps for reporting.
And don’t bother with bug spray—most over-the-counter sprays don’t work well. If you’re overwhelmed, professional pest control services may be necessary, especially for larger infestations.
Can We Ever Get Rid of Them for Good?
It’s hard to eliminate an invasive species once it’s gotten a foothold, but experts are hopeful. Scientists are actively researching natural predators, fungal pathogens, and targeted treatments, and a few early results look promising.
One such natural control is a fungus called Beauveria bassiana, which has been shown to kill lanternflies without harming native species, according to research by Penn State University. But wider use and long-term management will take time and public cooperation.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Ignore Them, Even If They’re Pretty
The spotted lanternfly might look like a delicate visitor from a fairy tale, but it’s really a pest on a mission to eat through our crops, forests, and landscapes. The good news? You can help stop it—by recognizing it, reporting it, and taking quick action when you spot one.
So keep your eyes peeled this fall and spring, especially if you live in or travel through a quarantine area. And if you see one? Don't hesitate.
Smash first. Ask questions later.
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