Spotted Lanternfly: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Central Virginia Trees

Protect your Central Virginia trees from the destructive spotted lanternfly! Learn about this invasive pest, the damage it causes, and discover control methods to help limit the spread.

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    Summer in Central Virginia is a time for enjoying the outdoors. Bonfires, lake days, and backyard cookouts likely fill almost every weekend in your calendar. While you’re busy enjoying time with family and friends, you’ve probably been bombarded with a few unwanted guests like mosquitoes, ticks, and other pesky insects.

    But what if we told you there’s a new, more destructive insect that’s recently made its way into town? This tiny yet powerful creature poses a serious threat to our trees and landscapes. Meet the spotted lanternfly!

    Key Takeaways

    • The spotted lanternfly is an invasive pest causing significant damage to trees and plants in Central Virginia.
    • The spotted lanternfly’s feeding habits weaken trees and create conditions for sooty mold to form.
    • A combination of methods including physical removal, chemical treatments, and community involvement is necessary to manage and help stop the spread of infestations.

    Eggs, nymph and adult phase of a spotted lanternfly.

    What Is a Spotted Lanternfly?

    The spotted lanternfly is an invasive plant-hopper native to Asia. Unfortunately, it has made its way to North America, causing significant damage to our ecosystems. Recognizing this pest in each of its three phases of life is important in helping to identify and control the spread of this destructive insect.

    Egg Mass

    The spotted lanternfly begins its life as an egg mass. These are typically found on smooth surfaces like trees, rocks, outdoor furniture, or even vehicles. The egg mass is about the size of a dime and resembles a grey, putty-like substance, almost like a smear of cracked mud.

    Nymph Stages

    After hatching from the eggs, the wingless nymphs (juvenile spotted lanternflies) are black with white spots. Because they are so small, people often mistake them for ticks. But as they develop, they will get bigger and turn red with white spots and black dots.

    Adult Stage

    The final stage is the adult spotted lanternfly. The striking insect is about an inch long and has a distinctive appearance. Its head and thorax are black, while its forewings are grey with black spots. When the lanternfly opens its wings, a vibrant contrast of bright hindwings emerges.

    The Spotted Lanternfly’s Impact on Trees

    Although beautiful, don’t be fooled by their flashy looks. Spotted lanternflies are serious trouble for our trees. They seem to have an appetite that can’t be satisfied, and they use their sharp mouthparts to extract sap from various trees, vines, and other plants. With swarms of a hundred or more spotted lanternflies feeding together, they can really weaken a tree, making it more susceptible to disease, pests, and environmental stressors.

    To make matters worse, spotted lanternflies also produce large amounts of a sticky substance called honeydew. This sugary goo, resembling a thick syrup, can coat leaves, branches, and even sidewalks. It’s not only ugly to look at and tough to clean, but it also creates the perfect breeding ground for sooty mold to grow.

    Why Is Sooty Mold Bad for Trees?

    While spotted lanternflies are the culprits, sooty mold is the unfortunate result. It is terrible for trees because it:

    • Blocks Sunlight: Sooty mold covers leaves like a blanket, preventing the tree from getting the sunlight it needs to make food.
    • Reduces Photosynthesis: This process is how trees turn sunlight into energy and is vital for a tree’s health.
    • Weakens the Plant: With reduced sunlight and energy production, the tree becomes weaker and more susceptible to other threats.
    • Gives an Unsightly Appearance: Sooty mold can make your plants look unhealthy and unattractive.

    What Trees Are Affected by Spotted Lanternfly?

    While the spotted lanternfly isn’t considered a picky eater, there are a few trees that seem to be favored, including:

    • Tree of Heaven
    • Maples
    • Walnuts
    • Willows
    • Birches
    • Fruit Trees
    • Grapevines

    It’s important to note that while these trees are preferred, the spotted lanternfly can feed on other plant species, causing potential damage to a wide range of vegetation.

    A cluster of spotted lanternflies on a tree trunk, indicating a severe infestation.

    Controlling the Spread of the Spotted Lanternfly

    Battling the spotted lanternfly requires a multi-faceted approach. Here are some effective strategies that help combat the infestation that’s currently taking over parts of Central Virginia:

    • Egg Mass Destruction: Look for grey, putty-like smears on trees, rocks, or furniture during winter and early spring. If you find any, scrape them off and destroy them!
    • Tree Banding: Wrap sticky bands around tree trunks from early May to October. These bands will trap nymphs as they crawl up the tree to feed.
    • Manual Removal: Whenever you see a spotted lanternfly, remove it! You can squash them, vacuum them up, or drown them.
    • Targeted Sprays: Use sprays specifically designed for spotted lanternflies throughout summer and early fall. Sprays are most effective on nymphs.
    • Insecticides: Consult a local Certified Arborist for assistance with applying insecticides to the soil or injecting them into trees. This treatment makes the plant toxic to insects that attempt to feed on it.
    • Dormant Oil: Apply dormant oil in late winter to smother egg masses and reduce the number of nymphs that will hatch in the spring.
    • Report Sightings: If you notice any signs of spotted lanternflies in your area, inform local authorities or visit the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
    • Inspect Vehicles: Regularly inspect vehicles when moving in and out of spotted lanternfly quarantine zones to prevent accidental spread to other areas.
    • Remove Trees: Did you know the tree of heaven is considered an invasive species in Virginia? It’s a spotted lanternfly’s favorite meal, so removing it and applying an herbicide to the freshly cut stump will kill the plant.

    Will My Spotted Lanternfly Infested Tree Recover?

    The short answer? It depends. A mild infestation might not cause permanent damage, especially for a healthy tree. However, a severe infestation can significantly weaken a tree, making it more susceptible to disease and other pests. Factors like the tree’s overall health, the extent of the infestation, and the timely implementation of control measures will influence its recovery.

    Protect Your Trees from Spotted Lanternflies with Help from Dyer’s Tree Service

    The spotted lanternfly is a pest that poses a serious threat to your trees. Don’t let these invasive insects ruin your landscape. Dyer’s Tree Service is here to help. With our expertise in tree care and pest management, we can identify signs of infestation, implement effective control strategies, and restore the health and beauty of your trees.

    Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call Dyer’s Tree Service today at 540-827-7245 for a comprehensive tree evaluation and to learn more about our spotted lanternfly treatment plans.

    Dyer's arborist standing in front of a chipper truck.

    Travis Dyer

    Travis, a Virginia native, has a lifelong passion for trees. Growing up working alongside his father and uncle in the tree care industry, he gained invaluable experience and developed a deep respect for trees. Now, as a Certified Arborist himself, Travis continues to provide expert care services across Northern and Central Virginia.