Southeastern Researchers Unveil Essential Calendar to Combat Devastating Spotted Lanternfly

A silent, colorful invader is wreaking havoc across the United States, threatening vineyards, orchards, and beloved backyard trees. The Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), an invasive pest with a penchant for destruction, has prompted a collaborative effort among leading Southeastern research institutions to arm the public with a powerful new tool: a comprehensive management calendar.

Clemson University, in partnership with experts from Virginia Tech and Penn State, has officially launched the ‘Spotted Lanternfly Management Calendar.’ This groundbreaking resource is designed to empower everyone from diligent homeowners to seasoned agricultural professionals with timely, region-specific strategies to identify, monitor, and control this destructive insect throughout its entire life cycle.

The SLF’s impact is staggering.

With a broad host range of over 100 plant species, including economically vital grapevines, hops, and tree fruits, as well as various hardwoods, its rapid spread poses a severe threat to agricultural industries and natural ecosystems. The pests feed by piercing plant tissues and extracting sap, weakening plants, making them more susceptible to other diseases, and leaving behind a sticky 'honeydew' that encourages sooty mold growth, further impacting plant health and aesthetic value.

Understanding that effective management requires a year-round approach, the new calendar breaks down crucial control measures by month and by the SLF’s distinct life stages.

From identifying inconspicuous egg masses in winter to trapping and removing nymphs in spring and early summer, and managing adult populations as they emerge and feed voraciously through fall, the calendar provides actionable steps for each phase.

“This calendar is a critical step forward in our battle against the Spotted Lanternfly,” states one of the lead researchers.

“It consolidates the latest scientific knowledge into an easy-to-follow guide, ensuring that both private citizens and industry professionals have access to the most effective tactics at precisely the right time.”

Beyond conventional pest control, the calendar emphasizes integrated pest management (IPM) principles, recommending a hierarchy of tactics.

It includes guidance on cultural controls, such as removing host plants like Tree of Heaven, and physical removal methods, including scraping egg masses or using circle traps. Chemical control options are also outlined for situations where they are necessary, always with a focus on responsible and targeted application to minimize environmental impact.

Early detection and community engagement are paramount in slowing the SLF’s advance.

The calendar serves as a vital educational tool, teaching users how to recognize the pest at every stage, understand its preferred habitats, and implement preventative measures. By providing a clear roadmap, the researchers aim to reduce pest populations, limit economic losses, and protect the ecological health of affected regions.

This collaborative initiative underscores the urgent need for accessible, science-backed solutions to invasive species challenges.

The ‘Spotted Lanternfly Management Calendar’ is more than just a guide; it’s a beacon of hope and a call to action, equipping communities with the knowledge and confidence to stand firm against this relentless invader. The calendar is freely available online, inviting everyone to become an active participant in safeguarding our natural and agricultural landscapes.