The first signs of a spotted lanternfly infestation often appear before you ever notice the insect itself. You might find your car covered in a sticky residue after parking beneath a tree, patio furniture coated with a sugary film, or black mold spreading across leaves and branches. While these changes can seem unrelated, they may all point to the presence of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect that has become a serious concern in many parts of the United States.
Native to Asia, the spotted lanternfly feeds by piercing plants and extracting their sap. It targets a wide range of trees and crops, including maples, walnuts, grapevines, fruit trees, and ornamental plants. Heavy infestations can weaken plants, reduce fruit production, and place significant stress on trees over time.
