08/04/2024
Spotted Lanternflies are here! Comment below with your town if youve seen them!
These are a new invasive species in our area and we are going to see more and more of them this year. As with many things in pest management, secondary effects are just as important as the initial impacts. Below are some things to keep an eye on, which may lead back to SLF in your trees.
Here are some facts:
SLF prefer feeding on the soft plant tissues of shade trees, fruit trees, and vines. They pierce and suck sap out of the stems. This leads them to excrete honeydew.
Honeydew can create a sticky mess of droplets on outdoor equipment, decks, furniture, pets, clothing, hair and vehicles.
This honeydew dries, and then ferments. This odor will attract scanvenger insects such as ants, but more importantly, a large number of bees and wasps. If you notice an unusual amount of wasps around your tree or property, LOOK UP!
Honeydew also is a great medium for sooty black mold, which can spoil various fruit crops.
Spotted Lanternflies themselves are a nuisance. But their biology lead to other pest, and health risks. If you notice unusual wasp activity, black fungi on your property, or your dog being strangely... sticky... let us know.
We are happy to offer safe treatment options for your property to keep your home, business and family safe this summer season. Give us a call any time we are happy to help.