Knowledgebase

chemical control of spotted lantern fly #938508

Asked July 08, 2026, 10:59 AM EDT

Can you provide a list of efficacious pesticides for the control of spotted lanternfly?

Anne Arundel County Maryland

Expert Response

Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) will not cause serious harm to home garden plants, and they do not need to be controlled with insecticide. No chemical targets SLF without also potentially harming other species (such as pollinators, fireflies, beneficial predators, etc.). Birds, predatory insects, spiders, lizards, and other wildlife do eat SLF and will help to reduce their numbers over time. You can learn more on the linked page, which includes a reference to a Penn State resource about making a DIY "circle trap" to capture SLF while reducing the risk of ensnaring other species.

Emily

Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 08, 2026, 11:17 AM EDT

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