In recent years, the Spotted Lanternfly has emerged as a major threat to trees, crops, and ornamental plants across the Northeast. First identified in Pennsylvania and quickly spreading across states like New York and New Jersey, this invasive pest is now a pressing concern for homeowners, landscapers, and agricultural professionals in NYC, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Nassau County. At Advanced Pest Management, we are committed to providing effective solutions to stop the spread of lanternflies and protect the integrity of our local environment.
What Are Lanternflies?
Despite their name, lanternflies are not flies at all. They are planthoppers—winged insects that feed on the sap of trees and vines. While they may look beautiful with their vibrant wings and spotted patterns, their feeding habits are anything but charming. Lanternflies use their piercing mouthparts to draw sap from plants, weakening trees and causing a sticky residue called honeydew to form, which promotes mold growth and attracts other pests.
Why Are They a Problem?
Lanternflies pose a serious threat to agriculture and ecosystems. They feed on more than 70 plant species, including grapevines, maple trees, and fruit trees. Their mass feeding can lead to reduced crop yields, damaged ornamental plants, and compromised forest health. In residential settings, infestations often cause a mess on patios, driveways, and outdoor furniture due to the excretion of honeydew and the development of black sooty mold.
Spring: The Season for Action
Spring is when lanternfly egg masses begin to hatch, releasing nymphs that will feed and grow until they reach adulthood in late summer. This makes April and May a critical window for action. By identifying and destroying egg masses early, you can dramatically reduce the population before it becomes unmanageable.
How to Identify Lanternfly Egg Masses
Egg masses resemble smears of dried mud, often found on trees, rocks, outdoor furniture, and even vehicles. These masses contain 30–50 eggs and can survive the winter. If you spot one, scrape it off with a plastic card, place it in a sealed bag with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer, and dispose of it properly.
Our Control Strategy
At Advanced Pest Management, we take a multi-pronged approach to lanternfly control:
Inspection: Our team will thoroughly inspect your property for signs of lanternfly activity and egg masses.
Removal: We remove and destroy egg masses before they hatch.
Treatment: Safe and effective treatments are applied to infested areas to reduce existing populations of nymphs and adults.
Monitoring: We continue monitoring your property for recurring issues and provide follow-up support when needed.
Community Involvement Matters
Fighting lanternflies is not just an individual battle—it’s a community effort. We provide homeowners and businesses with educational resources to identify and report lanternfly sightings. We also offer guidance on preventing the unintentional spread, such as checking vehicles and outdoor gear before traveling between counties.
Why Choose Advanced Pest Management?
With years of experience serving NYC and surrounding areas, our team is uniquely equipped to tackle invasive pest threats like the lanternfly. We stay up to date on the latest research and control methods, ensuring that your home or business is protected with proven, environmentally responsible techniques.
For expert pest control services in NYC, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, or Nassau County, turn to Advanced Pest Management. Let us help you protect your property and community from the invasive threat of lanternflies. Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive consultation and take proactive steps against this destructive pest.
