Scrape Away the Spotted Lanternfly
We need you for a mission.
Search, scrape and destroy spotted lanternfly egg masses on trees, yard objects, vehicles and other types of outdoor surfaces.
The spotted lanternfly is an invasive species that poses a significant threat to peach, apple, grape and wine industries. They also have a negative effect on your yard plants.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR AND DO
Adult females lay their inconspicuous egg masses in September and through the first few hard frosts of November.
The egg masses are covered in a light gray colored wax that looks like mud when it dries. They are laid on the woody parts of trees and shrubs, as well as stone, metal, concrete and other surfaces so it is a good idea to look for them on all yard objects and vehicles. The search is worth the effort because each egg mass contains about 50 lanternflies that will hatch next spring. Eggs can survive the winter and hatch if they are only scraped onto the ground, so please do the following:
- Egg masses should be carefully scraped into a container and drowned in soapy water or rubbing alcohol.
- Pesticides are unnecessary and should be avoided.
- Egg masses can be safely disposed of in your trash, composted or simply buried in your yard.
REPORT YOUR SIGHTINGS
Please keep an eye out for spotted lanternfly in Fairfax County and report sightings to ReportSLF@fairfaxcounty.gov or to 703-324-5304. The popular mobile app, iNaturalist, is an effective and efficient method for reporting a lanternfly sighting, too.
Original source can be found here
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