Stop the Spotted Lanternfly: Protecting Annapolis from This Invasive Pest
If you’ve been out and about in Annapolis lately, you’ve probably noticed them—colorful, moth-like insects hopping and flying between trees, decks, and garden plants. They’re called spotted lanternflies, and they are more than just a nuisance. This invasive pest has quickly become a serious threat to Maryland’s trees, plants, and agriculture.
As summer transitions into fall, spotted lanternfly activity peaks, making late September and early October a critical time for control. Here’s what you need to know to protect your property and our local environment.
What Is the Spotted Lanternfly?
The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive insect native to Asia. It was first detected in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has since spread rapidly into surrounding states—including Maryland. Annapolis and the greater Anne Arundel County area have seen significant increases in sightings in recent years.
Adult lanternflies are about one inch long, with grayish wings covered in black spots. When they open their wings, you’ll see bright red hind wings with black spots—a distinctive feature that makes them easy to identify.
Why They’re a Problem in Annapolis
Spotted lanternflies are sap feeders, which means they pierce the bark, stems, and leaves of plants to feed on the sap. They cause:
Damage to trees and ornamentals: They stress the plant, making it vulnerable to disease and other pests.
Sooty mold growth: Their excretions, called honeydew, encourage mold growth that coats leaves, patios, and outdoor furniture.
Threat to agriculture: They target grapes, hops, fruit trees, and hardwoods—posing a risk to Maryland’s vineyards and farms.
Left unchecked, spotted lanternflies can weaken and eventually kill plants, creating long-term damage to Annapolis landscapes.
How They Spread
Spotted lanternflies are prolific hitchhikers. They lay egg masses on almost any smooth surface—tree trunks, outdoor furniture, vehicles, trailers, even boats. This means they can easily travel from one neighborhood to another, or from one state to the next, hidden in plain sight.
Egg masses are usually tan and mud-like in appearance, and each one can contain 30–50 eggs.
How to Identify Them in Fall
In late September and October, you’ll mostly see adult spotted lanternflies. They tend to gather in large numbers on tree trunks, especially on their preferred host—the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)—but they also target maples, black walnut, and willows.
Adults are highly mobile and often fly short distances between plants. You may notice sticky residue on decks, cars, and patio furniture caused by their honeydew droppings.
DIY Steps to Control Spotted Lanternflies
1. Scrape and Destroy Egg Masses
Use a plastic card or scraper to remove egg masses from surfaces.
Deposit them into a bag filled with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to kill the eggs.
2. Remove the Tree of Heaven
This invasive tree is the lanternfly’s favorite host. Removing it from your property can greatly reduce infestations.
If complete removal isn’t possible, treating it with systemic insecticides can help.
3. Use Sticky Bands
Apply sticky bands to tree trunks to trap nymphs and adults.
Check them regularly to avoid catching beneficial insects or birds—use protective mesh over the sticky surface if necessary.
4. Squash Them on Sight
While it may seem crude, physically killing adult lanternflies reduces their numbers and prevents reproduction.
5. Limit Movement of Infested Materials
Before traveling, inspect your vehicle, outdoor equipment, and firewood for egg masses or adults.
Why Professional Treatment Is Essential
While DIY efforts help, professional pest control offers a more targeted, large-scale solution for spotted lanternfly infestations.
At NoMoSquitos MD, our team:
Conducts property-wide inspections to locate breeding and feeding hotspots.
Applies EPA-approved treatments that are safe for children, pets, and beneficial insects.
Targets both adult lanternflies and potential egg-laying sites.
Offers seasonal maintenance programs to keep populations under control year after year.
The Importance of Acting in September and October
The end of summer into fall is the most important window for controlling spotted lanternflies. Treating now:
Reduces the number of adults that can lay eggs for next season.
Protects your trees from sap loss before winter.
Limits the spread to other neighborhoods and counties.
Waiting until spring means you’ll be dealing with an entirely new generation—and potentially larger infestations.
Protecting Annapolis Together
The Maryland Department of Agriculture encourages all residents to be vigilant and proactive. By working together—homeowners, pest professionals, and local officials—we can slow the spread and protect our region’s trees, crops, and natural beauty.
Why Annapolis Residents Trust NoMoSquitos MD
We’re not just mosquito and tick experts—we’re your year-round pest defense team. Our licensed technicians know the Annapolis area, its trees, and seasonal pest patterns. We offer safe, effective spotted lanternfly control that’s backed by our satisfaction guarantee.
When you work with NoMoSquitos MD, you’re getting:
Local expertise
Kid- and pet-friendly solutions
Preventive and ongoing care options
A team committed to protecting Maryland’s environment
Final Thoughts
Spotted lanternflies may be beautiful in appearance, but they’re a destructive force in Annapolis landscapes. By acting now—scraping egg masses, removing host trees, and working with a trusted pest control partner—you can help protect your property and your community.
If you’ve spotted these pests around your home, don’t wait. Contact NoMoSquitos MD today for professional spotted lanternfly treatment in Annapolis, MD, and take back your yard from this invasive threat.
