What Does a Lanternfly Nest Look Like

Spotted Lanternfly nests on trees credit: silive.com

The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), a destructive invasive insect native to Asia, first arrived in New York City in 2020 and has since become a growing concern. Known for its striking appearance—gray wings adorned with black spots and vibrant red hindwings—it feeds on plants, including fruit trees, grapevines, and hardwoods. It excretes a substance called honeydew, which causes mold and attracts other insects.

Spotted Lanternfly and Tree of Heaven

A unique aspect of the spotted lanternfly is its relationship with the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), an invasive species from the same native range in Asia. The tree of heaven serves as the spotted lanternfly’s favorite food source, particularly during late summer and fall. This close association makes it the most common site for egg laying. Adult spotted lanternflies prefer to lay their eggs on the trunks of the tree of heaven, ensuring the insect’s life cycle can continue. While the spotted lanternfly can survive on other plant species, the tree of heaven creates a perfect habitat for its proliferation. This synergy between two invasive species poses a significant challenge to managing their spread in North America.

That said, the spotted lanternfly is not picky about other food sources. It can feed on over 70 different plant species, including economically important crops like grapes, hops, fruit trees, and maple, willow, poplar, and sycamore. This adaptability further complicates efforts to control their population.

Spotted Lanternfly Egg Masses

Spotted lanternfly egg masses are one of the main ways the insect spreads rapidly. These masses are extremely versatile, easily attaching to almost any surface and blending into their surroundings. This makes them difficult to spot and easy to transport. They can be found from late September to June and typically contain 30-50 eggs covered by a mud-like substance that gives them a grey, cracked-mortar appearance.

Preferred Egg-Laying Locations

While tree trunks and branches are common egg-laying sites, particularly on the tree of heaven, spotted lanternflies will deposit their egg masses on various surfaces. Here are some common places where egg masses may be found:

Preferred Host Trees:

  • Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima): The most favored tree for egg laying.
  • Other common tree hosts are maple, willow, poplar, sycamore, and various fruit trees (e.g., apple and cherry).

Non-Tree Surfaces:

  • Outdoor items: Backpacks, boats, campers, outdoor furniture, and even firewood.
  • Building materials: Bricks, lumber, tools, and vehicles.
  • Urban environments: In cities like New York, egg masses have been found on road signs, under vehicles, housing estates, and even subway infrastructure. This makes regular inspections critical in both residential and commercial areas.

Egg masses are usually found on the underside of branches or in sheltered areas that provide some protection from the elements. The spotted lanternfly’s ability to lay eggs on many surfaces makes it difficult to contain and prevent the spread, especially when vehicles or materials are transported from infested zones.

Identifying Spotted Lanternfly Egg Masses

To help in the fight against them, it is important to be able to identify spotted lanternfly egg masses. They are roughly 1.5 inches long and resemble grey or brown clay smudge. When first laid, the egg masses are white and glossy but quickly turn grey or brown as they dry. Over time, the covering may crack or fade, sometimes revealing the individual eggs beneath.

Spotted Lanternfly nests on trees credit: silive.com

Regularly inspect trees, outdoor structures, and vehicles from September through June for these egg masses. Early identification and removal can help reduce the spread of the pest.

Removing and Destroying Egg Masses

Follow these steps to destroy their nest:

  1. Use a plastic card or a putty knife to scrape the egg mass off the surface.
  2. To effectively destroy the egg masses, collect them in a bag or container filled with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.
  3. Alternatively, you can smash or burn the egg masses after removing them, but alcohol and hand sanitizer have proven to be the most effective methods for preventing egg hatching.

Regularly checking outdoor areas and vehicles, especially when traveling from quarantined areas, is critical in slowing the spread of this invasive species. Coordinated efforts to destroy egg masses and manage host plants like the Tree of Heaven can help control the spotted lanternfly population.

What to Do if You Find a Spotted Lanternfly Nest

  1. Don’t Panic! Take a photo and note the location, but infestations can be managed.
  2. Report It: Contact New York’s Department of Agriculture and Markets (https://agriculture.ny.gov/spottedlanternfly).
  3. Scrape and Destroy: If you can safely reach the egg mass, scrape it into a container filled with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. Double bag and dispose. Wear gloves.
  4. Call the Professionals: Our experienced tree service team can assess the situation, identify other potential infestations, and provide treatment solutions. If you live in the Bronx or Manhattan, contact us, as we deal with them often and can help eliminate them. Call (718)-885-0914 for a free estimate.
Free Estimate (718) 885-0914