Eradicating Lanternfly Infestation - Ask Extension
Our driveway is lined with about nine trees of heaven and thousands of spotted lantern flies. Is there any assistance available for extermination or ...
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Eradicating Lanternfly Infestation #938098
Asked July 06, 2026, 10:15 AM EDT
Our driveway is lined with about nine trees of heaven and thousands of spotted lantern flies. Is there any assistance available for extermination or tree removal.
Anne Arundel County Maryland
Expert Response
Unfortunately, the MD Department of Agriculture doesn't have the resources to remove trees. We recommend you spray them off with a strong stream of water from your hose. The sticky tape not only traps pest insects, it traps beneficials and birds as well, so probably not a good idea.
Penn State Extension shows how to use tape along with wildlife barriers: https://extension.psu.edu/how-to-create-a-wildlife-barrier-for-a-spotted-lanternfly-sticky-band-trap
Since Tree of Heaven is the most favored host, it's a good idea to remove these trees as soon as possible. You could take them down a few at a time if necessary.
Just to note: in the last picture, I see Euonymus fortunei - Wintercreeper, an invasive vine, growing up the trunk of one of the trees. It's not good to allow invasive vines to grow on trees.
Thanks for contacting Ask Extension
Penn State Extension shows how to use tape along with wildlife barriers: https://extension.psu.edu/how-to-create-a-wildlife-barrier-for-a-spotted-lanternfly-sticky-band-trap
Since Tree of Heaven is the most favored host, it's a good idea to remove these trees as soon as possible. You could take them down a few at a time if necessary.
Just to note: in the last picture, I see Euonymus fortunei - Wintercreeper, an invasive vine, growing up the trunk of one of the trees. It's not good to allow invasive vines to grow on trees.
Thanks for contacting Ask Extension
