Spotted lanternfly season is at its peak — 3 free DIY ways to stop them today

Spotted lanternfly season is at its peak, and there are three easy, free DIY methods to manage these invasive pests. These insects gather en masse on tree trunks, branches, and leaves, feeding on sap and leaving behind a sticky residue.

The first method involves a simple household spray. Mix one tablespoon of dish soap with water in a spray bottle, and then directly spray this mixture onto lanternflies clustered on hard surfaces. The soap breaks through their protective outer coating, suffocating them within minutes. However, avoid using household dish soap on plant leaves, as it can cause severe damage.

For plant foliage, use commercially formulated insecticidal soap instead. Spray in the early morning or late evening when the insects are less active for best results.

The second method uses protective tape barriers. Wrap duct tape or painter's tape backward (sticky side out) around the tree trunk, about four feet from the ground. This creates an unpassable barrier, as spotted lanternfly nymphs cannot fly and must walk up the tree to reach the leaves. To ensure safety for non-target wildlife, install a wire mesh shield over the tape, allowing lanternflies to crawl underneath while preventing larger animals from getting trapped. Check the tape every few days and replace it when it's full.

The final method focuses on preventing the next year's invasion. Scrape off egg masses laid by spotted lanternflies in the fall and early winter. These masses look like grey or brown mud-like blobs on tree bark, bricks, outdoor furniture, and other rough surfaces. Each mass contains 30 to 50 eggs. Use a plastic card or putty knife to scrape the masses firmly into a container filled with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitiser to kill them.

Simply scraping them onto the ground will not stop them from hatching in the spring. This quick step in the fall will prevent hundreds of new lanternflies from emerging next year.