The spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect native to eastern Asia that can damage crops has recently spread throughout Maryland.
This pest, also known as Lycorma delicatula, does not bite or sting and is primarily a nuisance pest in home gardens, but is considered a threat to agriculture. Maryland residents are urged to report sightings of spotted lanternflies to the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
Here’s how you can help:
Scrape egg masses, usually found on tree trunks during the fall, into a sealed bag with hand sanitizer or alcohol and dispose of it in the garbage.
Squash all other stages of the insect when found throughout the year.
Report your sighting of any of the life’s stages to MDA at bit.ly/ReportSpottedLanternflies.
Pesticides are not recommended to manage spotted lanternflies. Spraying insecticides, including home remedies, can harm butterflies and other beneficial pollinators and native insects.
Learn more about the spotted lanternfly, including more tips of managing them at home, at extension.umd.edu/resource/spotted-lanternfly-home-gardens.