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Spotted lanternflies can quickly overwhelm a yard in late summer. Hundreds of these invasive pests often gather on tree trunks, branches, and leaves, feeding on plant sap and leaving behind a messy, sticky residue.While a sudden influx might make you think expensive chemical treatments or professional exterminators are required, effective management tools are likely already in your home. With simple household items and properly shielded traps, you can clear out lanternfly clusters quickly and safely.Here's my DIY approach that'll help you protect your trees and reclaim your outdoor space.
Kill them on contact with soapy water
Spotted lanternflies have a protective outer coating that repels water. Soap breaks through this barrier, suffocating them on contact. For an incredibly cheap spot-treatment, mix one tablespoon of liquid dish soap with water in a spray bottle. Then simply spray this mixture directly onto lanternflies clustered on hard surfaces like tree trunks, decks, or patio furniture, and they will drop within minutes. This method works on both nymphs and adults. However, avoid spraying household dish soap directly onto delicate plant leaves, as the harsh degreasers can strip away a leaf's protective coating and cause severe foliage burn. For treating infestations directly on plant foliage, swap the dish soap for a commercially formulated insecticidal soap, which kills the pests without risking your landscape. For the best results, spray in the early morning or late evening when the insects are less active.
