Strange bug on my balcony - Ask Extension
How do I get rid of this bug that has taken over my balcony. Bug spray is not working.
Knowledgebase
Strange bug on my balcony #875724
Asked July 02, 2024, 6:43 PM EDT
How do I get rid of this bug that has taken over my balcony. Bug spray is not working.
Baltimore County Maryland
Expert Response
This is a Spotted Lanternfly nymph (juvenile). Pesticide sprays are not needed or recommended, and since they jump readily, they will also not work very well since they will not come into contact with much of the spray residues. You can learn more about this insect on the linked page.
Miri
Miri
It looks like 10-15 of these bugs are on the balcony of my condo. We thought using bug spray would get rid of them, it has not. My condo faces a wooded area with alot of trees and weeds.
Correct, insecticide spraying will not get rid of them all, as even if it kills those it touches, others may wander (or later, fly) back into the area. Plus, insecticides that work well even in the short term will be able to kill other non-pest insect that come into contact with the residues, like fireflies, ladybugs, bees, and others. Lanternflies are numerous in Maryland, especially in Baltimore County this year. They won't harm the balcony or seriously injure any plants on it, so do not require treatment. We acknowledge they can be a nuisance, but sweeping, squishing, or swatting them away will be the best option.
Miri
Miri