The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive planthopper from East Asia that arrived in Berks County, Pennsylvania in 2014 and has since spread to all 21 New Jersey counties. If you've noticed large insects with spotted wings on your trees, decks, or siding — particularly in late summer and fall — they're almost certainly spotted lanternflies.
What Is the Spotted Lanternfly?
The spotted lanternfly is not a true fly — it's a planthopper in the order Hemiptera, related to aphids and cicadas. It doesn't bite humans or pets, but it is extremely damaging to plants and economically significant crops:
- Primary host: Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) — an invasive tree itself that is common throughout NJ
- Secondary hosts: Grapes, hops, apples, peaches, cherries, plums, blueberries, and dozens of hardwood tree species
- Feeding damage: The SLF pierces plant stems and sucks sap, weakening plants and producing honeydew — a sticky secretion that promotes sooty mold growth
Life cycle timing: Egg masses hatch in May–June → nymphs (black with white spots) June–July → red nymph stage August → adults August–December → adults lay egg masses September–November before dying in winter. Egg masses overwinter on trees, fences, outdoor furniture, and vehicles.
Why NJ Has a Major Spotted Lanternfly Problem
New Jersey's dense suburban landscape, abundant tree of heaven, and proximity to the original Pennsylvania infestation make it one of the most heavily affected states in the country. The NJ Department of Agriculture has classified the SLF as a quarantine pest — meaning certain activities (moving plants, firewood, outdoor equipment) from quarantine zones require compliance with NJ's SLF regulations.
All 21 NJ counties are under quarantine order. Anyone who moves regulated articles out of a quarantine zone is required to inspect them for SLF.
What Homeowners Can Do
Scrape egg masses: From September through early June, inspect trees, fences, outdoor furniture, grills, and vehicles for SLF egg masses. They look like a smear of dried gray putty, roughly 1 inch by 1.5 inches, containing 30–50 eggs. Scrape them into a bag with hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol and seal before disposal.
Remove tree of heaven: Eliminating the SLF's preferred host from your property is the single most effective long-term strategy. Tree of heaven can be identified by its distinctive smell (like peanut butter gone bad) and large compound leaves. Stump treatment with herbicide is required after cutting to prevent aggressive regrowth.
Licensed pesticide application: Several insecticides are effective against spotted lanternfly nymphs and adults. Licensed NJ pesticide applicators (NJ DEP Commercial Pesticide Applicator License) can apply systemic treatments to high-value landscape trees and targeted contact insecticides in high-density areas.
When to Call a Licensed Pest Control Company
If you have a large property, valuable trees (ornamental trees, vegetable garden, fruit trees, grapevines), or a severe infestation, licensed treatment is the most effective option. Tree injections with dinotefuran or imidacloprid provide systemic protection lasting one season. Perimeter sprays can reduce populations around decks and outdoor living areas.
Is it legal to use pesticides on spotted lanternflies in NJ?
Homeowners can use EPA-registered pesticides they purchase over the counter. However, restricted-use pesticides and professional-grade applications require a licensed NJ Commercial Pesticide Applicator (NJ DEP). Always follow label instructions — the label is the law.
Are spotted lanternflies dangerous to people or pets?
No — spotted lanternflies do not bite, sting, or transmit disease to humans or animals. They are a serious threat to plants and agriculture, but not directly to people or pets. The honeydew they produce can make decks and outdoor surfaces sticky and slippery.
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