The spotted lantern fly is now in Maryland threatening farms, plants and vineyards.

‍Questions or concerns about this pest also can be submitted by email to DontBug.MD@maryland.gov or call (410) 841-5920. In addition, here is a homeowner checklist for residents living in an area with spotted lantern fly.

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The spotted lantern fly is an invasive insect first found in Pennsylvania in 2014.

Since 2014, the spotted lantern fly has moved to most mid-Atlantic states and Michigan. 

The insect does not bite or sting. It is a nuisance pest and attacks over 100 species of plants including grape & hop vines, ornamental trees, fruit trees and some hardwoods. 

Kenton Sumpter is an entomologist with the Maryland Department of Agriculture division of Plant protection and Weed Management 

Mr. Sumpter is the lead coordinator for Maryland’s response to the spotted lantern fly covering surveys, trapping, treatments and public outreach. 

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Spotted Lantern Fly 

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:37 What is the spotted lantern fly and why should we care?

 :44 invasive insect found in Pennsylvania first and encompasses the midAtlantic region and found in Michigan

1:14 agricultural threat and a public nuisance

2:12 they land on people, annoying and secrete honeydew 

2:50 they can cause mold to grow with what they secrete

3:03 this sooty mold is common but these insects secrete honeydew which causes this type of mold to grow

4:44 What action is recommended when you see a spotted lantern fly? 

5:13 Spotted lantern fly swarm in September and October when they are laying their eggs before the winter

5:49 Spotted lantern fly are usually on a plant called tree of heaven which is an invasive plant

6:30 What residents should do? Maintain sanitary vehicles, check your cars before you drive. 

7:32 Make a good faith effort to not bring the spotted lantern fly with you when you drive

8:20 no stopping the infestation, we can slow it

8:33 A cold winter would freeze them out but short of that, they are here to stay

8:57 Don’t spray chemicals to combat lantern flies you’ll kill the good bugs too

9:30 Be cautious that you don’t kill off the good insects

10:02 praying mantis may help but not the big green type as they are invasive insects native to China. The Carolina praying mantis is a good choice

10:30 spiders and other native insects are good 

11:53 spotted lantern flies stay in groups

12:12 Females are huge in September and October as they are full of eggs

12:40 Landscape level pests so they don’t build nests

13:00 Eat vines, garden plants, 70-100 plant species that they will eat. 

13:30 Recap-when you see the lantern fly, report where you find them but not if you are in Cecil and Harford counties or Hagerstown Maryland

14:10 Go to MDA spotted lantern fly or Maryland Department of Agriculture to learn more

15:26 dontbug.md@maryland.gov with questions, concerns, quarantines, permits and more 

15:43 moving regulated articles from/to the spotted lantern fly area, you’ll need a permit

17:29 We’ll have to co-exist with the spotted lantern fly

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Spotted lantern fly photo credit Lawrence Barringer https://www.invasive.org/browse/autthumb.cfm?aut=72754

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