Spotted Lanternflies Are Back—Here's What Gardeners Need to Know

If you’re a gardener, you know that pests are just part of the process—and that, unfortunately, they can wreak havoc on the plants you’re carefully cultivating. While butterflies and bees should be more than welcome as pollinators that help the environment (there are several insects you should actually protect), species like the lanternflies can cause a lot of damage to your plants.

But what are spotted lanternflies exactly? And how can you protect your plants from them?

What Are Spotted Lanternflies?

Photo by Cwieders on Getty Images

Looking a bit like beautiful little butterflies (with dotted red and cream wings), spotted lanternflies are an invasive species. Since they don’t have any natural predators, they have become pests, especially since they’re “voracious eaters”, says Dr. Jim Fredericks, Board Certified Entomologist and Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).

“They’re originally from Asia, but have been spotted in the U.S. since 2014,” he explains. “Their range has grown from Pennsylvania to the surrounding states to now more than 19 states and Washington, D.C.”

They eat a wide range of trees and plants, but their preferred meal is the Tree of Heaven. Casey DeLoe, Branch Manager Tree and Lawn of JP McHale Pest Management, says that spotted lanternflies also enjoy parking lots, fences, signage, outdoor structures and high-traffic or heavily developed urban corridors, along with landscaped areas, gardens and outdoor dining spaces.

Dr. Fredericks adds that while spotted lanternflies don’t bite or sting people, they are very destructive to your yard.

“They feed on the host plant’s sap, which leads to weeping wounds of sap and mold,” he says. “That can cause stunted growth or even kill off the plant.”

With each new season comes a brand-new generation of spotted lanternflies.

Photo by arlutz73 on Getty Images

“Eggs are laid in the autumn, then hatch when weather warms in the springtime,” Dr. Fredericks says. “Late spring to early summer is when they go through their nymph stages, and then late summer to fall is when they become adults and start laying eggs in the fall. The cycle then starts again next spring.”

If you’d like to be on the lookout for nymphs as well, before they even become adult spotted lanternflies, Dr. Fredericks that in this immature stage of the spotted lanternfly’s development, they’ll be smaller than the adults, with black bodies with white spots, “so they blend a little more into their surroundings.”

What Kind of Damage Do They Cause?

Photo by Sarah J Lee on Getty Images

In particular, spotted lanternflies are a “serious threat” to ornamental plants and agriculture, “especially plants and trees like grapevines and fruit trees,” Dr. Fredericks says. “In your backyard, they can cause havoc by feeding on sap, plus they tend to congregate in large numbers. This will often result in dark mold growth on infested plants, which can be unhealthy for plants.”

What You Should Do to Mitigate Spotted Lanternflies

Photo by arlutz73 on Getty Images

First of all, DeLoe says that it’s key to remove spotted lanternfly egg masses early. You’ll accomplish this by scraping the eggs into a container and destroying them with alcohol or sanitizer.

Next, DeLoe advises reducing attractants. You can do this by removing or managing any Tree of Heaven trees when possible and maintaining healthy landscaping to reduce any plant stress.

Photo by JasonDoiy on Getty Images

After that, he says that you should “strengthen cleaning protocols.” “Power-wash patios, decks and walkways and wipe down backyard furniture, railings and outdoor fixtures frequently,” he says.

Lastly, you’ll turn to targeted pest control.

Tree of HeavenPhoto by bgwalker on Getty Images

“Avoid broad-spectrum pesticides during peak activity to protect pollinators and work with pest professionals for targeted, low-impact treatments,” DeLoe says.

Additionally, there are humane ways to deal with spotted lanternflies. For instance, Dr. Fredericks says that removing any Tree of Heaven trees from your property can help in managing the spread. If the spotted lanternflies have any favorite host plants in your yard and/or landscaping, DeLoe says that you should remove the plants that they’re feeding on.

“While this won’t completely eradicate the issue, it will help to reduce activity for you and the surrounding properties,” he says.

Photo by deberarr on Getty Images

In conclusion, Dr. Fredericks says that if you’re finding a ton of spotted lanternflies on your property, consider contacting a qualified pest control professional.

“A pest pro may have additional recommendations to help reduce their numbers in your yard and may also direct you to your state’s department of agriculture for additional support,” he says.

Related: Avoid Getting Eaten Alive This Summer With These 25+ Plants That Repel Mosquitoes

This story was originally published by Parade on May 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the Life section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.