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Spotted Lanternfly in Delaware
Invasive planthopper spreading south. Report and destroy egg masses.
| Peak season | Jul – Oct |
|---|---|
| Size | About 1 inch (adult) |
| Risk | Plant damage — trees, vines, landscaping |
| Who treats it | Mosquito & Pest Authority (sponsor) |
How to identify them
Adults have gray forewings with black spots and bright red hind wings. Egg masses look like smears of gray mud on trees, stone and outdoor furniture.
Spotted Lanternfly in Delaware
Spotted lanternfly has been in Delaware since the late 2010s and favors tree-of-heaven, maples and grapevines. The Delaware Department of Agriculture asks residents to report and destroy them and to check vehicles before traveling.
When they’re active
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What you can do now
- Squash nymphs and adults; scrape egg masses into alcohol.
- Check cars, trailers and firewood before leaving an infested area.
- Report sightings to the Delaware Department of Agriculture.
When to call a pro
Call a pro for heavy infestations on valuable trees or landscaping.
Spotted Lanternfly: common questions
What should I do if I see a spotted lanternfly?
The Delaware Department of Agriculture asks residents to report sightings and destroy the insects. Check its current guidance for how to report.
Can spotted lanternflies hitch a ride on my car?
Yes, they can travel on vehicles and trailers. Check your car, and anything else you move, before leaving an area where you have seen them.
What do spotted lanternfly egg masses look like?
They look like smears of gray mud on trees, stone and outdoor furniture. Scraping them into a container of alcohol is a commonly recommended way to destroy them.
Where in Delaware
Where spotted lanternfly rank on each county’s top-pest list:
- New Castle County Common
- Kent County Not in the county top six
- Sussex County Common
Towns where spotted lanternfly are on the local top-pest list: