Spotted Lanternfly

Spotted lanternfly is not established in New Hampshire and it is important to be on the alert for and report suspect spotted lanternflies.

Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is a significant nuisance pest which may negatively impact New Hampshire’s agriculture and the environment. Although the invasive Tree of Heaven, (Ailanthus altissima) is its preferred host, nymphs and adult spotted lanternfly feed on a wide range of host plants including many agricultural crops and hardwood trees. Spotted lanternfly has been documented as killing grapevines and sapling trees. Mass feeding on plants by spotted lanternfly leads to a build-up of honeydew (sticky-sweet insect feces) which can attract wasps and other insects, and supports growth of black sooty molds, which can cause plant stress and decline.

Both live and dead spotted lanternfly have been intercepted on a variety trade goods imported from states with established spotted lanternfly populations (map and county lists). No established or breeding populations of this insect have been found in New Hampshire.

How you can help:

• Learn to identify spotted lanternfly and learn its life cycle.
• If you see it, capture it first, then report it. Photos are good, specimens are better.
• Learn to identify and report tree of heaven.
• Consider tree of heaven removal as part of your property management plan. (Tree of heaven is challenging to kill and remove and may require professional assistance to prevent it from regenerating and spreading.) Reducing tree of heaven may reduce the likelihood of economically significant spotted lanternfly populations from building in the state. NH participating agencies have treated more than 3,000 tree of heaven with herbicide from right-of-ways and city properties to-date. Tree of heaven that is too large or otherwise challenging to treat and remove can be monitored for early detection of spotted lanternfly.
• If working in or visiting an area with spotted lanternfly, be diligent about not bringing it back with you. This pest is a notorious hitchhiker and can spread on a variety of trade goods and on vehicles. Don’t park beneath trees when in an area with spotted lanternfly and check your vehicle before you leave.
• There is additional information for nurseries, greenhouses, Christmas tree growers, and vineyards following information about spotted lanternfly life cycle and identification.

Industry resources: Greenhouses, Nurseries, and Christmas Tree Growers:

• If your drivers are operating within the spotted lanternfly quarantine area, you will need training and a permit to ensure that you do not unknowingly transport spotted lanternfly. The permit is issued by the spotted lanternfly quarantine state that you are operating in, and permits are reciprocal across states. The training is on-line and delivered by Penn State.
• Spotted lanternfly best management practices brochure for greenhouses and nurseries
• Spotted lanternfly management for landscape professionals
• Training webinar for nursery and Christmas tree growers

Vineyards:

• Management of spotted lanternfly in vineyards
• Summary and download of managing spotted lanternfly in vineyards by Penn State Extension Wine & Grapes U. Recommendations for pesticide use are based upon Pennsylvania laws.
• Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center:  SLF: Current management recommendations in vineyards.
• University of Maryland Extension Timely Viticulture
  • Spotted lanternfly (SLF) I – background (https://extension.umd.edu/learn/spotted-lanternfly-slf-i—background)
  • Spotted lanternfly (SLF) II – Scouting and Management

Other links:

• NHBugs
• Current US Range of spotted lanternfly
• Penn State Extension spotted lanternfly page
• Spotted lanternfly management resources
• USDA Spotted lanternfly page