Have you seen what appears to be a moth, but has bright red and black spotted wings? If so, you’ve encountered a spotted lanternfly.
Spotted lanternflies in NJ are not a native species. In fact, they originated in China and accidentally made their way into
Pennsylvania back in 2014.
But just how harmful is the spotted lanternfly? Unfortunately, this invasive pest can be devastating to certain types of NJ crops and trees.
Fortunately, you can take preventative measures against a spotted lanternfly infestation, protecting trees in Sussex County, NJ.
Do Spotted Lanterndlies Cause Tree Damage?
Although spotted lanternflies may not kill trees, when they feed on them, they cause extensive damage. Spotted lanternflies in Sparta, NJ digest the sap from a host tree and release honeydew.
This contributes to fungi and mold growth. Additionally, the honeydew is sticky and attracts other insects to feed.
If you see a host tree, contact a professional
pest removal company.
Host Tree Damage
If you have an invasive lanternfly infestation, you may notice a targeted “host tree”. This host tree provides a red-spotted lanternfly with the nourishment needed to survive in NJ. Spotted lanternflies are supported by this host tree throughout their entire life.
But do spotted lanternflies eat trees?
They feed on ornamental trees, including woody trees and fruit-bearing trees. Spotted lanternflies prefer the
Tree of Heaven as a host tree.
What Trees Are at Risk?
Spotted lanternflies typically use the following trees as host trees:
Hops
Peaches
Almonds
Apples
Maple Trees
Oak Trees
Plums
Poplar Trees
Grapes
Willow Trees
Walnut Trees
Sycamore Trees
Pine Trees
Cherries
Nectarines
If you notice weeping wounds from any of your trees, you may have a spotted lanternfly infestation. This might appear as dark streaks coming down your tree bark. You may also notice sticky honeydew at the base of your trees, along with black fungus growing on top of it.
Sooty mold is also found at the base of your trees, accompanied by wasp activity as they look for exposed sap and honeydew. Wasps are highly aggressive and territorial. To keep you and your family safe from
stinging insects, contact a professional pest control company to inspect your property for signs of an infestation.
You may also notice nymphs or adult insects hanging around your infected tree, or egg masses on or near the tree. These may appear as muddy-grey and might be on car hoods, benches, or other flat surfaces, hatching in the late spring.
Spotted Lanternflies in NJ
If you have spotted lanternflies in NJ, it’s best to remove them before they damage your trees and welcome dangerous pests into your yard. You can also take action to prevent invasive species from invading your yard and invest in professional pest removal services all year long.
Serene Property Services offers quality pest removal in Sparta, NJ, Vernon, NJ, Newton, NJ, Warwick, NY, and the surrounding areas.
Contact us today for residential and commercial pest removal services.
