Lanternflies are invasive flies that pest control experts can get rid of
Lanternflies are invading certain parts of the United States, and while they aren’t dangerous, they can be a nuisance. Since they often live in maple and pine trees, you may spot them in your yard and wonder who to call to get rid of lanternflies. There are some DIY treatments homeowners can apply to nests and low tree branches, but large infestations require more intense treatment. Let’s review why professional help from pest control companies is often a must when dealing with lanternflies.
The main benefit of hiring local pest control companies is that they can apply chemical treatments approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that help control large infestations of lanternflies. Since lanternfly nests spread quickly, by the time you spot multiple nests, there are likely dozens more you haven’t found. So, working with professionals is often the only way you’ll get the spread under control.
Hiring a pest control company provides a variety of benefits, including:
They have the equipment to control the spread quickly: Pest control companies have the tools and equipment necessary to treat lanternflies quickly and efficiently, making it well worth the investment.
They can provide ongoing treatment: Getting rid of lanternflies on trees and other surfaces is an ongoing battle as they infest more and more states. Pest control companies can set up a schedule to treat trees on a yearly or bi-yearly basis.
They comply with government regulations: Pest control companies often control lanternflies with basal trunk spray, which is a controlled spray that companies are legally allowed to apply but homeowners are not.
When it comes to getting rid of lanternflies, there are a few DIY steps to take to remove an active infestation. If you want to try to eradicate a lanternfly invasion on your own before hiring a pest control pro, try out these methods:
Spray them with vinegar: Vinegar will kill lanternflies on contact and is best applied using a spray bottle or a garden sprayer for easier reach. For best results, don’t dilute the vinegar. Instead, spray it directly on adult or nymph lanternflies.
Use insecticidal soap: You can spray insecticidal soap directly on trees and shrubs with evidence of a lanternfly infestation. This method will kill lanternfly nymphs and adults and stop them from spreading in your area.
Soap and water: You can spray a simple solution of soap and water on lanternflies to kill them. Mix a ¼ cup per quart of water. Like the vinegar method, you can easily apply it with an empty spray bottle or a garden sprayer.
Vacuum them: Vacuuming lanternflies and properly disposing of them is an easy way of removing them from your property.
Pest companies can make a major difference in the removal of lanternflies from your property, especially if you have a large infestation. Getting rid of lanternflies is a multi-step process that involves continued monitoring and professional-grade tools, so it’s best left to the pros.
You can expect a pest control company to complete the following steps when they treat your lanternfly infestation:
Complete a consultation: Most pest control companies will want to come out for an initial consultation so they can evaluate the size and intensity of an infestation. They’ll also quote you a price for treating the lanternflies.
Spray surfaces monthly: Some landscapes require applying a treatment to the plants or trees infested with lanternflies. This eradication method happens monthly during warmer months and helps kill nests and existing lanternflies.
Yearly basal treatment: Basal spray is an herbicide sprayed on the stem bases of plants or trees with lanternfly nests. It’s a yearly treatment pest control companies can apply.
Continual monitoring: Pest control companies will recommend that you closely watch plants that lanternflies are attracted to, including roses, grapes, certain birch trees, willows, maple trees, and sumac.
