How to Identify Spotted Lanternfly Eggs

Spotted lanternflies first arrived in the US in 2014, and this destructive pest has been making headlines since then. The invasive pest feeds on the plant sap of various plants like grapevines, maples, black walnut, and Chinese sumac better known as the tree of heaven, causing severe property damage and destroying valuable crops as it feeds. It’s critical to take care of spotted lanternflies as soon as possible. Learn how to identify spotted lanternfly eggs and what you should do if you find them.

How to Identify Spotted Lanternfly Eggs

Spotted lanternflies lay their eggs in masses, which are usually about 1″L x 3/4″W. They look like light gray splotches of mud or morter cement, so they don’t have the standard look of pest eggs that you might be used to seeing. These egg masses can be found on nearly any flat surface, so you might find them on tree trunks and branches, rocks, decks, and even cars. Oftentimes, there are multiple egg masses in the same area, so if you find one, be sure to keep looking.

What To Do if You Find Eggs

Adults die off when the weather reaches freezing, but eggs can survive winter and are considered viable from October until July, so it’s important to get rid of them no matter what time of year you find them.

1. Scrape them off the surface. Using a paint scraper or metal spatula, remove the egg mass.
2. Seal the eggs. Place them in a plastic bag and cover with hand sanitizer or alcohol to kill the eggs. Be sure the bag is sealed tight, and throw it away with your regular trash.
3. Call Green Pest Solutions. Spotted lanternflies are extremely disruptive pests, and your trees and shrubs need support in order to stay healthy during this invasion. That’s why we developed a Spotted Lanternfly Program. We will recommend anywhere from two to four applications to take care of your spotted lanternfly issue. The number of applications will depend on the time of year, the lifecycle stage, and your individual property needs. Each application will be performed roughly 30 days from the previous application. Call us today at 855-312-7157 to learn more and schedule your service.