Spotted Lanternflies and Northern Virginia
Northern Virginia’s temperate climate makes it a host to many small wineries and tasting rooms. Unfortunately, these local businesses are under attack from an invasive species: the spotted lanternfly. These imported insects are running rampant in Northern Virginia, threatening vineyards and crop yields for the farmers who grow Virginia grapes. Not only that, spotted lanternflies can threaten trees and residential landscapes, including the ones in your neighborhood. Don’t worry, there are steps you can take to stop the spread of spotted lanternflies in the Northern Virginia region. Summit Wildlife Removal also offers effective pest control programs to keep these destructive insects off your property in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, and Fredericksburg. Give us a call today to get started at 703-884-2124!
What Are Spotted Lanternflies?
Spotted lanternflies are a species of insect that are indigenous to China and Vietnam, but have since spread to the United States. It’s widely believed that they arrived in the US on a shipment of stone in 2014 and have rapidly spread across the East Coast since then. Spotted Lanternflies are known for the devastation they can cause to native plants with their feeding habits. Spotted Lanternflies are often characterized by their appearance, with adults having bright red hind wings that are hidden by grayish-brown fore wings when not in flight. They are named for the black spots that dot their wings. Spotted Lanternfly nymphs are shield-shaped black bugs with white spots in their early stages, and then they molt into red shield-shaped bugs with black legs and white dots in the later stages. Spotted Lanternfly egg masses are usually coated in a gray substance and mistaken for mud.
Why Spotted Lanternflies are a Serious Threat in Northern Virginia
Spotted Lanternflies do not sting or bite, and pose no physical harm to homeowners. Instead, the damage they do is environmental. Spotted Lanternflies feed on the sap from tree trunks and the stems of host plants, which can stunt plant growth, reduce crop yields for farmers, and cause localized damage. Spotted Lanternflies feed heavily on grapevines, which make them a serious danger to the wineries and vineyards of Northern Virginia. Spotted Lanternflies can cause thousands of dollars in crop loss per year, and their presence at vineyards and tasting rooms can scare off customers.
Spotted Lanternflies also secrete honeydew, a substance that is mostly sugar and water. When the honeydew is left on leaves of the host plant, it will create sooty mold, which interferes with the plant’s ability to photosynthesize. Sooty mold is sticky, and can become difficult to remove when it settles on decks, outdoor furniture, and cars.
How To Identify Spotted Lanternflies On Your Property
Eggs: Spotted Lanternfly eggs look like splotches of gray dirt or mud, and may be found on the leaves of host plants, or on other flat surfaces like tree trunks, fences, wood piles, trash cans, tires, and more. Spotted Lanternfly eggs are commonly laid in the fall and hatch in the spring, and these hardy egg masses can survive the harsh temperatures of winter.
Nymphs: Spotted Lanternfly nymphs are commonly seen on trees, inside vehicles, or on outdoor furniture and fences. Early stage nymphs are black with white dots, and will commonly be seen on newer plants, including saplings. The early stage nymphs usually hatch in April, then molt into the later stage nymphs in July. The later stage nymphs are bright red with white spots, and a prominent wing pad. They get bigger until they molt into adults.
Adults: Adult Spotted Lanternflies are commonly an inch long, with bright red hind wings that are covered by brown wings on top. Adults can be seen as early as July, but it depends on the weather. Female adults will begin laying eggs in September. The adults will be seen in large groups on their target plants, but you might also see them on fences and outdoor furniture.
Immediate Actions Homeowners Can Take
If you are interested in keeping your property free of spotted lanternflies, there are a few steps you can take. Inspect your property regularly for Spotted Lanternflies and their egg masses. Remove and destroy their egg masses immediately, as each egg mass is several dozen future Spotted Lanternflies. If you have wood, stone, or other materials infested with Spotted Lanternflies, avoid moving them, as you may spread the nuisance pests further. Squashing any Spotted Lanternfly you see can help keep their populations down. Killing a few doesn’t seem like a lot at the moment, but it adds up over time.
When To Call A Professional
Preventing Spotted Lanternflies and squashing them whenever you spot them can help limit their population, but when you have a full blown Spotted Lanternfly infestation on your hands, with hundreds of them swarming over trees, bushes and other plants on your property, then it’s time to call a professional. DIY pesticide use can be risky, as it can end up hurting your plants more than helping them in some cases. Calling a professional like Summit Wildlife Removal for professional, targeted treatments and safe, environmentally responsible pest control methods can ensure that the Spotted Lanternflies are taken care of properly. Get in touch with our team today to get started at 703-884-2124!
