The short answer is no, the longer answer is also no, but with a caveat which involves a longer conversation. The longer conversation is that as a responsible pest control company we are bound by the law or legality stated on the chemical container. If the canister does not specify spotted lanternfly as a preventive, we cannot tell you it will kill spotted lanternflies. We are limited to what the poison does kill, not what we would like it to eradicate. Will some likely be destroyed when we go after a different infestation in your home, probably. But as it is not specifically stated on the can, we cannot specify that ourselves.

The spotted lanternfly though, is becoming a New Jersey problem. So, what is happening regarding the spotted lanternfly?

Rutgers University of New Jersey as well as other universities are looking for solutions. The spotted lanternfly is susceptible to several insecticide drenches. The problem is that while drenches used in the fall work on the spotted lanternfly, they need to be used with care on trees near pollen and nectar sources, like flowers, for bees as the levels still present can be at harmful in the spring.

There are two species of natural occurring fungi that can attack the spotted lanternfly, Beauvaria bassiana and Batkoa major. These are being studied as while the fungi kill the spotted lanternfly (SLF), the amount of fungi available is an issue. A few beneficial insects have also been observed attacking SLF, including the praying mantis, the wheel bug and some spiders.

Quarantine compliance and management of the adult population will reduce the spread of SLF to new areas and counties, protecting New Jersey resources including forests and agriculture. Quarantine compliance and management means checking vehicles in the quarantine counties so that these plant hoppers do not hop into more counties. Crush any you come across, the spotted lanternfly is much more a plant jumper than flyer, meaning they will land sometime. It also means keeping an eye out for the egg masses which look like mud spots on your trees. These egg sacks are set on tree trunks, woodpiles, or outside furniture in the fall and overwinter. If found, scrap into a plastic bag filled with either dish soap or hand sanitizer. Coming up with a solution for the spotted lanternfly and the hardwoods it harms is something we can all get behind.