How to Find and Remove Spotted Lanternfly Eggs

by shawn marshall - Aug 2024

Protect Your Property from This Invasive Pest

The spotted lanternfly is more than just a nuisance—it’s a destructive pest that can wreak havoc on trees, plants, and outdoor spaces. At Marshall Landscaping, we understand the importance of protecting your property from these invasive insects, which is why we’re here to help you identify, remove, and prevent lanternfly infestations.

What Are Spotted Lanternflies?

Spotted lanternflies are invasive insects that pose a serious threat to trees and plants. They are known to feed on the sap of various plants, causing stress that can lead to disease and even death. Their eggs, laid in late autumn and early winter, are equally dangerous, as they give rise to new generations of these pests.
Key Problem: If left unchecked, these eggs can hatch in late spring, spreading infestations throughout your property.

Where to Look for Spotted Lanternfly Eggs

Female spotted lanternflies deposit egg masses on smooth surfaces, which are often overlooked during routine yard maintenance. Common places to find these eggs include:
  1. Trees and branches: Especially those that serve as host plants like maples, black walnut, or fruit trees.
  2. Hardscaping elements: Stone pathways, retaining walls, and pavers.
  3. Outdoor furniture and décor: Chairs, tables, grills, and lawnmowers.
  4. Vehicles and structures: Cars, bikes, sheds, and the sides of homes.
Egg masses are typically covered with a grey, mud-like coating when freshly laid. As they near hatching or after they have hatched, the coating may break apart, revealing a segmented appearance.

How to Safely Remove Spotted Lanternfly Eggs

Removing spotted lanternfly eggs is crucial to preventing the spread of this pest, and winter through early spring is the best time to act.

Step-by-Step Egg Removal Process

  • Locate Egg Masses: Perform a thorough inspection of your yard, focusing on trees, stones, and smooth outdoor surfaces.
  • Scrape Off the Eggs: Use a plastic card, putty knife, or similar tool to gently scrape the egg masses into a bag or container.
  • Dispose of Eggs: Fill the bag with rubbing alcohol to kill the eggs. Seal it tightly and dispose of it according to local guidelines.
While this is a DIY-friendly task, Marshall Landscaping offers professional pest control and tree maintenance services to help identify and safely remove egg masses, ensuring your property remains pest-free.

Preventing Future Infestations

Prevention is key to maintaining a healthy, pest-free yard. Here’s how Marshall Landscaping can help:

1. Tree and Shrub Maintenance

Regular pruning and health inspections for trees and shrubs can reduce the likelihood of lanternfly infestations. Our tree and shrub care services ensure your greenery stays strong and resilient.

2. Hardscape Cleaning and Restoration

Egg masses are commonly found on hardscaping features like retaining walls and patios. Marshall Landscaping offers hardscape maintenance to clean and restore these surfaces while removing potential egg masses.

3. Property-Wide Inspections

Our landscaping experts can perform a comprehensive inspection of your property to identify vulnerabilities and hidden egg clusters. We’ll recommend tailored solutions to keep pests at bay.

4. Landscaping Design

Consider landscaping strategies that incorporate plants less likely to attract lanternflies. Our landscape design services can enhance your outdoor spaces while minimizing the risk of future infestations.

Why Choose Marshall Landscaping?

At Marshall Landscaping, we go beyond basic yard care. We provide comprehensive services to keep your property looking beautiful and functioning at its best—all while safeguarding it from threats like spotted lanternflies.

✅ Expert Pest Management: From egg removal to prevention strategies, we’ve got you covered.
✅ Comprehensive Services: Tree care, hardscaping, and landscaping to keep your yard in top shape.
✅ Local Knowledge: Serving Middletown, Newark, Bear, Wilmington, and surrounding areas, we understand the unique challenges of Delaware properties.

Contact Us for Professional Lanternfly Management

Don’t let spotted lanternflies damage your property! Call Marshall Landscaping for expert solutions to identify, remove, and prevent infestations.
📞 Call us at 302-454-7838📧 Email us at Office@marshalllandscapingllc.com
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Protect Your Property Today

Spotted lanternflies are relentless, but with regular maintenance and professional care from Marshall Landscaping, you can stop them in their tracks. Contact us now for a free estimate and let us help you keep your property safe and beautiful!