SLF Insecticide - Ask Extension
I would like a list of insecticides that kill the spotted lantern fly. There are tons of them on our property that is next to an abandoned area that h...
Knowledgebase
SLF Insecticide #872220
Asked June 08, 2024, 5:29 PM EDT
I would like a list of insecticides that kill the spotted lantern fly. There are tons of them on our property that is next to an abandoned area that has many Trees of Heaven popping up. Ideally, I wouldn’t want to use an insecticide, but the amount of them is alarming and we are hoping to disrupt the lifecycle before they are flying.
Anne Arundel County Maryland
Expert Response
While it may seem alarming, it's not considered so.
We do not recommend using insecticides for them.
While early research suggested that they feed primarily on Tree of Heaven research has shown it can complete its lifecycle on many different plants.
Our page on Spotted Lanternfly will explain more:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/spotted-lanternfly-management-residents/
Christine
We do not recommend using insecticides for them.
Spotted lanternfly is mainly a nuisance pest in residential gardens and landscapes and has not been shown to significantly damage otherwise healthy ornamental plants.
- Spraying pesticides, including home remedies, can do more harm than good when it comes to spotted lanternfly in residential greenspaces. Any chemicals can potentially harm pollinators and beneficial insects.
- Consider more sustainable management options or leaving spotted lanternflies for predators to feed on.
While early research suggested that they feed primarily on Tree of Heaven research has shown it can complete its lifecycle on many different plants.
Our page on Spotted Lanternfly will explain more:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/spotted-lanternfly-management-residents/
Christine
