Why Lanternflies Are a Problem

They call it a lanternfly, but it doesn’t glow. It sucks—literally.

This insect is from China. It arrived in the U.S., probably hitching a ride on a shipping container. First spotted in Pennsylvania in 2014, it’s now spreading across the East Coast like an unwanted tourist who refuses to leave.

Sure, bugs are part of nature—but this one ruins fruit trees, vines, and even backyards. It’s like a tiny agent of chaos.

What They Do to Plants

The lanternfly doesn’t bite or chew. It pierces. With its long straw-like mouth, it sucks sap from trees. Then it secretes honeydew—a sticky, sweet substance that sounds harmless but isn’t.

Honeydew attracts mold. Within weeks, leaves on my maple looked charred, like someone ran them through a barbecue.

How to Identify Them

Adults: About an inch long. Gray wings with black dots. Red underwings that flash when they fly. Sudden flight.

Nymphs (babies): Start black with white spots, later turn red and black. Small, but aggressive.

Eggs: Look like gray mud smears. Found on tree bark, bricks, or even lawn chairs.

Watching Them Feed

They move slowly while eating. That’s the worst part. They latch on and stay put. Unlike bees or butterflies, they don’t flutter around—they just suck sap like stationary parasites.

One morning, coffee in hand, I watched one feed for five minutes. Motionless. It was like staring at a tapeworm in real life. If I hadn’t squashed it, I might have cried.

Where They’re Coming From

Origin: China. First U.S. sighting: Pennsylvania. Now? Everywhere east of Ohio.

Nobody seems to have a definitive solution. They thrive in warm weather, love trees, and lay eggs almost anywhere—like Airbnb guests who never check out.

How to Handle Them

I hate this part. I’m usually a “catch and release” kind of person. But with lanternflies, there’s no mercy.

• Step on it immediately.

• Use a flyswatter, shoe, or anything handy.

• Missed? Try again. They’re fast, but not invincible.

I once tried flicking one off a chair. It landed on my leg. I screamed, then stomped it with a gardening trowel. No pride. No regret.

Their Eggs Are Tiny Nightmares

Eggs appear as gray, dried mud-like smears. Could be on bark, bricks, or furniture.

Tip: Scrape them off. Don’t drop them in soil. That spreads the problem. Instead, place eggs in a bag with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.

Side Note: Cutworms

While we’re talking pests—cutworms still rule the garden nightmare league. They chew seedlings to the ground. Wrapping foil or cardboard around plant bases helps, but yes, it’s tedious.

I Didn’t Sign Up for This

I just wanted a healthy tree. Maybe a few tomatoes or peppers. I didn’t plan to become a midnight insect assassin.

But with lanternflies? You don’t get a choice. Don’t wait. Don’t hope someone else will handle it. It’s on you. It’s on us.