Insecticide For Lanternflies

Residents living in the infested area are using a variety of methods to control spotted lanternfly (SLF) including destroying egg masses , trapping them , eliminating one of their favorite host trees , or by using insecticides.

Avoid overreacting to the situation and teach others not to overreact

The SLF quarantine enacted by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) says property owners are responsible for controlling or eliminating SLF on their property. Residents should choose the least-toxic management method that will work. Many people are fearful of SLF and worry that it may affect the health of their trees. From observations in previous years, we believe that a few SLF feeding on a large, healthy tree are unlikely to cause permanent damage. On the other hand, thousands of SLF might weaken a tree, but to date, no one has quantified how many will harm a tree or how badly the tree will be affected. Consider destroying SLF on individual trees by trapping or swatting them instead of using a lot of insecticides.

If you decide to use an insecticide to kill SLF, there are some important safety measures and pesticide rules to follow. Before using any pesticide product, always read the label and be informed to be safe.

Only use registered insecticides to kill SLF

Recipes for homemade sprays made from cleaning, automotive, cooking, or other household products might be more harmful to the environment or your plants than people realize. Insecticides that are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have been tested for safety and efficacy. The label includes important information, including directions for safe mixing and use and precautions to protect pollinators and the environment.In Pennsylvania, the site where you plan to use an insecticide must be listed on the product label. For example, if you want to spray an insecticide on an ornamental tree to kill SLF, the product label has to say that it is registered for use on ornamental trees. If you want to spray an insecticide on a grape vine to kill SLF, the product label has to say that it is registered for use on grapes. In Pennsylvania, the insecticide does not have to list SLF on the label to use it legally, but the site does have to be on the label.

You must use the rate and application method that corresponds with the site use.

Read the label and follow all directions

Plan to spend time reading the label either online or at the store before you buy the product. Calculate how much of the product you will need to do the job and then you will know how much to buy. The label also has important directions about how to use the product safely and legally. Wear the required personal protective equipment, and after making the application, wash the clothing that was worn separately from other laundry. Avoid spills and letting the product come into contact with your body. Do not allow your spray to drift to nontarget areas. For more information about general pesticide safety see our factsheet.

Some product labels are formatted as booklets that are taped onto the side of the product container. Peel back the tape and read all the information before using the insecticide. Use a highlighter to mark the directions for the way you will use the product. Photo by Emelie Swackhamer

Protect pollinators

Avoid spraying plants that are flowering or about to flower. Follow all the directions on the label to protect pollinators and other beneficial insects.

Protect streams, wetlands, and water sources

Be careful when using insecticides so they do not contaminate our water resources or harm aquatic creatures.

Avoid using the same insecticide all the time

Some insects have developed resistance to specific insecticides that have been used repeatedly to kill them. When this happens, that insecticide has little effect on the insect. We have not seen resistance occur in SLF yet, but it is best to rotate between different groups of insecticides to reduce that risk.

Choose the least toxic insecticide that is effective

Results from scientific experiments have been compiled into lists of effective insecticide options for home gardeners , landscape professionals , and grape growers . Experiments are being conducted to test additional insecticides for their usefulness against SLF.