This Is Your Yearly Reminder To Kill Spotted Lanternflies

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Spotted lanternflies are now a common sight in Maryland, and the Department of Agriculture has reported sightings in all Maryland counties since 2018.

These bugs are highly invasive and deadly for plant life. The lanternflies suck the sap from trees and crops, leaving behind sugary waste that eventually turns into black, sooty mold. Their waste product encourages fungal disease and attracts other insects that can be deadly to plants. They’re estimated to cost millions each year as organizations attempt to mitigate crop loss and employ pest-control techniques.

Spotted lanternfly nymphs hatch in May and June. These nymphs are small and black with white spots. As they grow, the nymphs enter the “late nymph” stage, where they turn bright red with white spots and black stripes.

Spotted lanternflies are quick-moving and adept jumpers even in the nymph stage, making them hard to kill. But the state of Maryland certainly wants you to try.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture doesn’t have resources to help homeowners get rid of spotted lanternflies and instead recommends home gardeners kill any they can safely reach.

You can also report your sightings to dontbug.md@maryland.gov, which tracks sightings in all counties across the state, including Calvert County.

Maryland residents can also get more information about dealing with household and garden pests, and learn more about invasive and damaging species, on the Department of Agriculture website.

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