Spotted lanternflies are destroying crops across the Eastern U.S. These invasive pests have slashed grape harvests by up to 90% and stunted maple tree growth by half. Since arriving in Pennsylvania in 2014, they’ve spread rapidly — and they’re getting harder to kill.
The good news? Scientists are fighting back with promising new weapons: parasitic wasps, bug-killing fungi and strategic habitat removal. These biological control methods could finally give us the upper hand against this destructive pest.
The spotted lanternfly (SLF) has a beautiful, poetic name, but it’s a highly destructive planthopper. Native to Asia, these insects arrived in Pennsylvania as eggs hidden in commercial shipments. Now the rest of the Eastern Seaboard (and beyond) is under threat if these invaders aren’t stopped.
Spotted lanternflies feed on grapevines, hops, fruit trees and hardwoods like maples and walnuts.
After feeding, they excrete honeydew: a sticky substance that promotes mold growth. This mold blocks sunlight and weakens plants, making them vulnerable to disease.
And the damage doesn’t stop at individual plants. When spotted lanternflies destroy plants, they disrupt entire food chains by eliminating food sources for herbivores and the carnivores that feed on them.
These nuisance pests have proven extremely hard to eliminate. Here’s why:
As a result, the spotted lanternfly keeps reproducing and expanding its domain. But there are some encouraging new ways to fight back. Paired with existing best practices, these methods may finally give us some reliable spotted lanternfly treatments.
Spotted lanternfly research published in 2026 suggests that nature might help solve this nature‑made problem. Biological control methods show great promise. The added benefit? They’re eco-friendly.
Spotted lanternfly treatments with potential include:
There may be no single fix for the problem of spotted lanternflies, and bringing them under control will likely take a mix of methods. Parasites and fungi are large-scale solutions meant for professionals. But ordinary people can join the fight, too, with everyday spotted lanternfly treatments and practices:
People should know what SLFs and their egg masses look like. After camping or visiting areas where they’re common, it’s a good idea to check gear and cars. A quick look for insects or eggs helps ensure they won’t get a free ride to a new home.
Destroy egg masses by removing and soaking them in alcohol or soapy water.
Traps are a passive defense that can help capture tree-climbing nymphs.
These are typically:
Insecticides have a spotty track record but can be helpful in a pinch.
Chemical pesticides may kill bugs, but there’s more than one catch: They don’t always just kill the bad ones, and they’re also harmful to humans and the environment. Chemical control methods can contaminate water, soil and air — even end up in our food. They cause crop yields to shrink and beneficial microbes to die off, too.
But there are safer, more eco-friendly ways to control and kill spotted lanternflies, including homegrown biological controls.
Try these methods:
Interested in tackling invasive species like the spotted lanternfly professionally? The University of Florida, home of the number-one-ranked entomology and nematology program in the world, can help.
Insects like the SLF bring plenty of problems. Entomology opens doors for people who want to:
Find what you’re looking for in UF’s online entomology graduate programs. You’ll discover that insect overpopulation and related issues like climate change offer opportunities to make a crucial difference — and plenty of job opportunities.
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