By Lisa Beirn, Ph.D., technical services manager, Syngenta The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) was first identified in Berks County Pennsylvania in 2014. This invasive planthopper, which is native to eastern Asia, has continued to spread in the eastern U.S. and can now be found in the Midwest. The map below depicts the current distribution of this pest in the United States.
 Map created by the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program. Available from https://www.stopslf.org/where-is-slf/slf-map/.
The spotted lanternfly is an excellent hitchhiker and can easily be introduced to new areas by movement of infested materials. We recommend that neighboring areas scout for spotted lanternfly as it will likely continue to spread.
These pests damage trees causing oozing sap, wilting, leaf curling and tree dieback. They also excrete a sugary substance when they feed, called honeydew, that promotes the growth of black sooty mold, which damages plants and can cover patio furniture, cars and more. These insects also affect quality of life and the ability to enjoy the outdoors during the spring and summer as they cover trees, swarm in the air and coat decks and play equipment with honeydew, which is an attractant to other unwanted pests like ants and wasps.
In addition to damaging trees and affecting quality of life, spotted lanternflies are a huge threat to the agriculture industry. They damage crops such as grapes, apples, hops and hardwood trees.
An adult spotted lanternfly is approximately one inch long and half an inch wide. The forewing is grey with black spots and the wings tips are reticulated black blocks outlined in grey. The hind wings have contrasting patches of red and black with a white band. The legs and head are black; the abdomen is yellow with broad black bands. Immature stages are black with white spots and develop red patches as they grow.
Get control with Tandem or Demand CS  | | Source: Syngenta, 2018. |
Syngenta has registered a FIFRA Section 2(ee) recommendation for Tandem® insecticide and Demand® CS insecticide for control of spotted lanternflies on plants and structures. With the power of two proven active ingredients, lambda-cyhalothrin and thiamethoxam, Tandem provides a double assault on spotted lanternflies and other pests. Demand CS
offers up to 90 days of control of more than 30 additional pests. For control of spotted lanternfly on ornamental plants, apply Tandem at a rate of 13.9 fl. oz. per 100 gallons or Demand CS at a rate of 5.0 fl. oz. per 100 gallons. Be sure to check the Section 2(ee) recommendations for your state. More information about this invasive pest can be found here. Syngenta hereby disclaims any liability for third-party websites referenced herein. All photos are either the property of Syngenta or are used with permission. © 2024 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration and proper use. Demand®, Tandem® and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. All other trademarks are property of their respective third-party owners. |