There are various creatures and critters which can be a huge nuisance when they infest our homes. Ants, cockroaches, wasps, and rats can all give people the heebie-jeebies, and can also cause various damage and health problems for you and your family. Since they were first seen in 2014, a new pest has been wreaking havoc in the US, and that is the spotted lanternfly. Coming over from Asia sometime in the last few years, spotted lanterns can decimate crops, plants, and trees. It is so important that you know what to do if you come across a spotted lanternfly, especially if it is on your property.

Here is how to handle a spotted lanternfly infestation.

1. Check that the Bugs are Spotted Lanternflies

Before you do anything, you will need to make sure that it is a spotted lanternfly infestation which you are dealing with. The adult flies will measure around one inch by a half inch with two sets of wings. The outer wings are large and white and have black spots. The inner wings are smaller and are bright red, also with black spots. You may also be able to identify their egg sacs which are yellowish-brown in colour and will be stuck to a tree, fence post or any other flat surface.

2. Speak to Your Local Authorities Immediately

If you have identified a spotted lanternfly infestation, the next thing you need to do is immediately speak to the agricultural department in your local area. This is because spotted lanternflies can cause an enormous amount of destruction. Your local agricultural department will either take over the situation themselves or will explain to you how to handle the infestation to get rid of the lanternflies.

3. Call Extermination Experts

If your local authority does instruct you to handle the infestation, they will almost certainly tell you to hire professional exterminators. They will come to your property and spray Spotted Lanternfly treatment on your trees, shrubs, house, barn, and every other surface on your property. This treatment will kill all the spotted lanternflies which come into contact with it both at the time of spraying and in the future. Because the treatment can still be effective later on, it is important that it doesn’t rain for twelve hours after the spraying or the treatment will wash away.

As well as spraying the treatment, the extermination experts will also attach special bands to your trees to catch and kill spotted lanternflies that are climbing up. These tree-bands have a very strong adhesive to trap the lanternflies and stop them from destroying the trees or laying eggs in them.

There are no pests with which any of us would want to share our homes and property, but the damage which spotted lanternflies can cause is unparalleled. It is really important to keep your eye out for any signs of spotted lanternflies and to take the appropriate measures if you have an infestation. Follow this guide and you can be part of the solution to this ever-growing problem.