Spotted lantern flies

[Jersey mike]

Definitely an uptick in numbers this year from last here at our house. Last year I was was just chasing them down with a magazine or news paper or even my sneaker to kill them, I think my total number killed was about 20 for the season.

This year I’m seeing them smaller and quicker, the little bugger jump like spider crickets and fly to a differ spot. They seem to love my deck for some reason and I don’t have any trees which would attract them from what I’ve read.

Yesterday I looked on YouTube for a solution and come up with a number of videos suggesting dish soap and water in a spray bottle. The recommendations were for a 50/50 solution of soap and water. I used 14oz soap in a 32oz spray bottle and it worked. Put sprayer on a mist and 3-4 quick sprays on the flies was enough for them to hop away, try to fly a little and then turn upside down and die in a few minutes. I killed about 20 yesterday doing this.

Since I don’t have trees, a garden or shrubs that were on the list of “favorite” places to dine or leave eggs I’m not sure how a hose & spray bottle would work to cover a larger area. Like I said they seem to love just hanging out on the deck, especially the railings and bask in the sun.

The only problem with using the hand held spray bottle was it was a cheap one, it leaked a little and my hand got all soapy. The soap I used was Ajax lemon scented (it’s what was under the sink at the time, not a special purchase) but don’t think the lemon part is necessary.

Anyone with a large area might want to try the garden hose with a spray bottle (for the soap) attachment that mixes as it sprays.

[Jess from VA]

Goofy looking bug. 

[98valk]

they feed off other trees not on the list and certain vine type plants. they are attracted to brown and grayish colors.

I use raid ant and roach killer. they will eventually die from it, but I use it to stun them then they fly off tree onto ground/grass and then stomp on them. sometimes extra spray is needed and then they tire after two jumps. before they become full grow is best time to spray the little Chinese illegal invaders quicker easier stun/kill from the spray.

[Jersey mike]

I’m still using the dish detergent and water solution with great results. The larger ones aren’t as quick as the small ones but still hop and fly to evade death.