The spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect that has been a significant concern since its arrival in 2014. This pest poses a serious threat to various plants and trees, making it crucial to understand how to manage their population. One effective way to control these insects is by targeting their eggs. Starting in October, female lanternflies begin laying eggs, presenting an opportunity to significantly reduce next year’s population.
This guide will explain what spotted lanternfly eggs look like, where to find them, and how to properly destroy them. By learning to identify and eliminate these egg masses, you can play a vital role in limiting the spread of this invasive species.
Identifying Spotted Lanternfly Eggs
Recognizing spotted lanternfly eggs is the first step in controlling their population. These egg masses have a distinct appearance that changes over time.
What to Look For
Spotted lanternfly egg masses exhibit several key characteristics:
- Size: Egg masses typically measure about an inch in length and ¾ of an inch in width.
- Freshly Laid Appearance: When first deposited, the egg mass is covered in a white, waxy substance secreted by the female lanternfly. This coating serves as a protective layer for the eggs.
- Dried Appearance: As the waxy covering dries, it takes on a light grayish-brown hue, resembling dried mud, cement, or even lichen. This camouflage can make them blend in with their surroundings.
- Egg Count: Each individual egg mass contains a significant number of eggs, ranging from 30 to 50.
When to Find Them
The window for finding spotted lanternfly egg masses is quite extensive, spanning from September to June. This long period allows ample opportunity to search for and destroy the eggs before they hatch in the spring.
Where to Look
Spotted lanternflies strategically lay their eggs in locations that offer protection from harsh weather conditions and predators. Common places to find egg masses include:
- Tree Trunks: Inspect the bark of trees, especially those known to be favored by lanternflies.
- Undersides of Tree Branches: Check the lower surfaces of branches, as these are often sheltered.
- Rocks: Look on the sides and undersides of rocks, particularly in wooded areas or gardens.
- Outdoor Structures: Examine sheds, fences, decks, and other outdoor equipment.
- Sheltered Surfaces: Any surface that provides protection from the elements is a potential egg-laying site. This can include vehicles, furniture, and even building foundations.
How to Destroy Spotted Lanternfly Eggs
Once you have located spotted lanternfly egg masses, it’s crucial to destroy them to prevent the next generation from hatching. There are two effective methods you can use: crushing and scraping.
Option 1: Crushing
Crushing is a simple and direct method for destroying lanternfly eggs:
- Gather your tools: You’ll need a hard, flat object such as a credit card, a putty knife, or even a sturdy stick.
- Crush the eggs: Press the edge of your chosen tool firmly onto the egg mass.
- Drag and crush: Drag the tool across the entire egg mass, applying pressure to crush each egg. You should feel and hear a popping sensation as the eggs break. You might also observe liquid seeping out as the eggs rupture.
Crushing spotted lanternfly egg mass with a credit card. Best method to destroy spotted lanternfly eggs is by crushing them with a hard object.
Option 2: Scraping
Scraping is another effective method, particularly useful when you want to ensure the eggs are contained:
- Prepare a bag with alcohol: Take a plastic bag and pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer into it (a few ounces is sufficient).
- Scrape the eggs: Use a credit card, putty knife, or butter knife to scrape the egg masses off the surface. Directly scrape the eggs into the bag.
- Alcohol contact: Ensure that the scraped eggs come into direct contact with the alcohol or sanitizer within the bag. The eggs must be immersed in the solution to be effectively destroyed.
- Seal and dispose: Seal the bag securely, then place it inside another bag for extra precaution. Dispose of the double-bagged eggs in the trash.
Scraping spotted lanternfly egg masses into a bag with alcohol. Scraping and bagging spotted lanternfly eggs is effective for destroying them.
While destroying egg masses is a significant step in managing spotted lanternflies, it’s important to note that some egg masses, especially those high in trees, may be unreachable or hidden. Therefore, you may still observe lanternfly nymphs and adults in the following year. However, by diligently destroying all accessible egg masses, you will contribute to significantly reducing their population and slowing their spread.
For further information and resources on spotted lanternfly management, explore the Spotted Lanternfly resources at Penn State Extension. You can also view a Penn State Extension video on how to kill the eggs for a visual demonstration of these techniques.
By taking action and destroying spotted lanternfly eggs, you are making a positive impact on your local environment and helping to protect valuable plants and trees from this invasive pest.
