The Late-Summer Surge
As summer transitions into early fall, spotted lanternflies are at their peak activity. By this time of year, these invasive pests have matured into their winged adult stage and are aggressively feeding on trees, shrubs, and garden plants. They have a particular fondness for Tree-of-Heaven, grapevines, maples, and fruit trees — but will attack over 70 different plant species. Their feeding causes significant stress to plants, weakening them and making them more vulnerable to disease, drought, and other pests.
You may notice large clusters of spotted lanternflies swarming around trees, decks, fences, and even the sides of your home. They secrete a sticky substance called honeydew that encourages black sooty mold growth, creating slippery, unsightly, and damaging conditions in your yard. This time of year, their reproductive activity also spikes — meaning more egg masses that will hatch in spring if left unchecked.
Why They’re More Than Just a Nuisance
While they may look harmless at first glance, spotted lanternflies pose a serious threat to New Jersey’s environment, agriculture, and economy:
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Crop Damage — Vineyards, orchards, and farms suffer massive losses from their feeding.
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Tree Decline — Even healthy, mature trees can weaken over time from repeated attacks.
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Rapid Spread — Adults can hitchhike on vehicles, firewood, outdoor furniture, and equipment, spreading infestations quickly.
Why It’s Important to Eliminate Every Single One
Because spotted lanternflies are an invasive species, there is no safe level of tolerance — even a few surviving adults can lay dozens of egg masses, each containing 30–50 eggs. Left unchecked, their population multiplies exponentially, causing devastating damage season after season. Unlike native insects that have natural predators to balance their numbers, spotted lanternflies have very few enemies here. That means the responsibility falls on homeowners and communities to eliminate them wherever possible. Getting rid of every single lanternfly you see is critical to slowing their spread and protecting New Jersey’s trees, crops, and ecosystems.
How Action Termite and Pest Control Can Help
At Action Termite and Pest Control, we take the spotted lanternfly threat seriously and offer effective, targeted solutions to protect your property. Our licensed technicians use proven control methods to reduce infestations, prevent egg-laying, and safeguard your landscape from long-term damage.
Our approach includes:
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Thorough Property Inspection — Identifying feeding sites, egg masses, and high-activity zones.
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Targeted Treatments — Environmentally responsible applications to eliminate active pests while protecting beneficial species.
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Preventive Measures — Strategies to reduce future infestations, including vegetation management and exclusion tips.
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Ongoing Monitoring — Follow-up visits during peak activity seasons to ensure lasting results.
Act Now Before It’s Too Late
The spotted lanternfly season doesn’t end until the first hard frost — and each day they remain on your property is another chance for them to damage plants and lay eggs for next year. Early intervention is the key to protecting your home, garden, and local environment.
Call Action Termite and Pest Control today to schedule a spotted lanternfly inspection and treatment. Together, we can stop the spread and keep your property healthy year-round.