Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) is now in many parts of Middlesex County. These invasive insects are attracted to woody plants such as walnuts, maples, birch, grapes, and especially the Tree of Heaven which functions as a host plant, required for spotted lanternfly to complete its life cycle.

Most healthy trees will survive the feeding damage caused by SLF but there are a number of options pest control operators and homeowners can use to control this nuisance pest.  It will not attack or harm humans but can cause damage to several farm crops including grape vines and fruit trees. Spotted Lanternfly does not damage structures but can lay unsightly brown egg masses that can be removed from surfaces to reduce further infestations

If you have more questions about spotted lanternfly or other gardening questions, the Master Gardener Helpline can be reached by phone, 732-398-5220 or email mastergardeners@co.middlesex.nj.us.  Our team can provide additional information and links for Middlesex County residents.

• Follow Quarantine Guidelines for Middlesex County

  Middlesex County is now designated a Quarantine zone for the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula

  Residents should check certain items such as bicycles, trashcans, garden tools and trees for signs of the bugs. Use this checklist to assist in stopping this invasive insect’s spread

• Identify and Manage Host Tree Species

  https://extension.psu.edu/tree-of-heaven-control-strategies

• Trap the Spotted Lanternfly on your Landscape Trees
  https://njaes.rutgers.edu/spotted-lanternfly/trapping.php

• Destroy Egg Masses
  Residents should inspect items around their neighborhood such as bicycles, trashcans, smooth surfaces and trees for signs of grey to brown egg masses from September through April. Egg masses should be scrapped off and destroyed in the trash. 

• Treat infested trees with registered pesticides
  Use caution when using pesticides and follow all directions on the label to protect yourself, family and beneficial insects such as pollinators. Avoid pesticide applications before or during flowering as this will damage pollinator populations. Misuse of pesticides can also contaminate water sources and cause harm to aquatic creatures. 

In many cases, licensed landscape professionals have more tools at their disposal to combat invasive species.

Learn about management options available to those in the green industry by reading the website below or call the Rutgers Cooperative Extension office for more information, 732-398-5278.

Penn State Pesticide Recommendations: https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly-management-for-landscape-professionals

EARTH DAY Everyday Webinar:
“An Update on the Spread and Management of Spotted Lanternfly in New Jersey”
The invasion has begun! Dr. George Hamilton, Chair of the Department of Entomology and Extension Specialist in Pest Management at Rutgers, will discuss all things spotted lanternfly (Lycorma deliculata). Come learn about the spotted lanternfly’s biology, its introduction and spread in the U.S., and potential ways to manage or reduce the population of this invasive insect: https://youtu.be/BecmsIkaKEQ 

Downloads
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/hungrypests/slfbiz/slf-driver-checklist-eng-sp.pdf
Spotted Lanternfly Informational Handout (English)
Spotted Lanternfly Informational Handout (Spanish)

NJ Dept. of Agriculture SLF Site:
https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/pi/prog/pests-diseases/spotted-lanternfly/

Our homeowner garden helpline for residents of Middlesex County is 732-398-5220 and email is mastergardeners@co.middlesex.nj.us.