Highland Park, NJ
Home MenuSpotted Lantern Fly
Be prepared! The Borough's Shade Tree Advisory Committee reports that the Spotted Lantern Fly (SLF) will soon be emerging again in Highland Park and around the region.
First hatching around May, it morphs through several black, white, & then red- spotted crawling forms before emerging as a winged adult around July. Although a harmful, invasive agricultural pest, the SLF does not bite humans and will not kill most trees and plants.
Here are some ways to reduce their numbers:
First hatching around May, it morphs through several black, white, & then red- spotted crawling forms before emerging as a winged adult around July. Although a harmful, invasive agricultural pest, the SLF does not bite humans and will not kill most trees and plants.
Here are some ways to reduce their numbers:
- Scrape off the greyish egg masses that you may spot on trees, rocks, posts, etc., and then smash, bag with some rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer, and dispose. https://extension.psu.edu/what-should-you-do-with-spotted...
- Remove infested host species. The only tree to consider removing is the favored host of the SLF, the invasive Ailanthus, or Tree of Heaven (follow control guidelines to avoid massive resprouting). https://extension.psu.edu/tree-of-heaven
- Note that permits are required for tree removal, although the replacement requirement/fee is waived for invasives. https://www.hpboro.com/.../trees/tree-removal-procedure
- Trees that overhang outdoor living spaces or cars, etc. can be pruned to reduce falling insects and their secretions, which can lead to sooty mold accumulation
- Systemic application of insecticides to heavily infested trees
- Only by qualified arborist
- Do not use contact pesticides or sprays – they will poison many beneficial critters!
For more information see: https://www.nj.gov/.../spotted.../homeowner-resources. Note that it’s no longer necessary to report sightings of the SLF. And, sure, stomp on ‘em (if it makes you feel better)!