The Spotted Lanternfly (scientific name Lycorma delicatula) is more than just an annoying insect—it’s a serious threat to our environment, agriculture, and economy. Originally from China, this invasive pest showed up in Pennsylvania back in 2014. Since then, it’s been spreading like wildfire through the eastern United States, leaving a trail of damage in its wake.

If you see one, don’t hesitate. There’s a good reason experts are urging people to kill these pests on sight. Here’s everything you need to know about why the Spotted Lanternfly is so dangerous—and how you can help stop its spread.

Why Is the Spotted Lanternfly Such a Big Problem?

At first glance, this colorful insect might not seem like a huge threat. But don’t be fooled. Spotted Lanternflies feed on the sap of over 70 different types of plants, including grapevines, fruit trees, maples, and hardwoods. As they suck out the sap, they weaken the plant, making it more vulnerable to disease and harsh weather. Over time, heavy feeding can stress or even kill the plant entirely.

But that’s not all. As they feed, these pests leave behind a sticky, sugary substance known as “honeydew.” It may sound sweet, but honeydew attracts other pests like ants and wasps. Worse yet, it encourages the growth of black sooty mold, which coats leaves and blocks sunlight, making it hard for plants to perform photosynthesis. This leads to stunted growth, fewer fruits, and in severe cases, plant death.

If you love wine or fresh fruit, listen up—lanternflies are a nightmare for vineyards and orchards. Pennsylvania’s grape industry alone could lose millions of dollars if these pests aren’t controlled. Hardwood trees used for furniture and construction are also at risk, making this bug a serious threat to both the environment and the economy.

How to Spot a Spotted Lanternfly

Fortunately, Spotted Lanternflies are fairly easy to recognize if you know what to look for. Here’s a quick guide:

✔ Adults: They’re about an inch long with grayish wings covered in black spots. If they open their wings, you’ll see a bright red underwing with black and white patterns. They’re actually quite pretty—but don’t let their good looks fool you.

✔ Nymphs: Young lanternflies (called nymphs) look very different from the adults. Early stage nymphs are black with bright white spots. As they mature, they turn red with white spots and black legs. No matter their age, they all cause damage.

✔ Egg masses: This is where it gets tricky. Lanternflies lay eggs in masses that look like gray mud smears. You’ll often find them on tree trunks, rocks, outdoor furniture, vehicles, and even the sides of houses. Each mass can contain 30 to 50 eggs, and they’re hard to spot if you’re not looking for them.

What You Should Do If You See One

If you spot a Spotted Lanternfly or their eggs, it’s important to take action immediately. Here’s what you can do:

💥 Kill it on the spot. Don’t wait. If you see an adult lanternfly or a nymph, crush it right away. Some people like to stomp on them; others use fly swatters. Just make sure it doesn’t get away.

🚫 Destroy their egg masses. If you find egg masses on trees, fences, or other surfaces, scrape them off with a hard tool like a plastic card or putty knife. Collect the eggs in a sealed bag or container filled with alcohol or hand sanitizer to kill them. Don’t just scrape them onto the ground—they’ll still hatch!

📱 Report your sightings. Many states have hotlines or websites where you can report lanternfly sightings. This helps experts track the spread and target treatment efforts.

Why Your Actions Matter

You might be wondering, “Does killing one bug really make a difference?” The answer is yes. Spotted Lanternflies reproduce quickly and can cover long distances by hitching rides on vehicles, outdoor equipment, and even clothing. Each female lays multiple egg masses, and if they aren’t destroyed, their numbers can skyrocket.

By taking action—killing the bugs, destroying eggs, and reporting sightings—you’re playing an important role in protecting your community’s trees, farms, and natural spaces. Without everyone’s help, the lanternfly problem will only get worse.

Spread the Word!

The more people know about Spotted Lanternflies, the better our chances of stopping them in their tracks. Talk to your neighbors. Share information with your friends and family. If you’re traveling, inspect your vehicle and gear to make sure you’re not accidentally transporting any hitchhikers.

In Summary

The Spotted Lanternfly may look harmless, but it’s causing real harm to crops, trees, and local economies across the country. Taking action now—killing the bugs, scraping off egg masses, and spreading awareness—can help prevent further damage.

If you see one, don’t ignore it. Squash it!