How to Get Rid of Lanternflies From Your Yard in New Jersey
If you’ve spent any time outside in your yard lately, you’ve probably seen them — those spotted, hopping insects clinging to tree trunks, fences, and patio furniture.
Spotted Lanternflies are an invasive pest that’s become a serious problem across New Jersey, especially in late summer and early fall. They’re not just annoying — they’re destructive.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to get rid of lanternflies from your property, protect your trees, and what to do when DIY methods aren’t cutting it.
What Are Lanternflies — And Why Are They a Problem?
Spotted Lanternflies (Lycorma delicatula) are originally from Asia and were first found in Pennsylvania in 2014. Since then, they’ve spread across the Garden State and now threaten native plants, trees, and agriculture.
They feed by piercing trees and sucking out sap, leaving behind a sticky substance called honeydew, which attracts mold and other pests.
Here’s why New Jersey homeowners should take this seriously:
They damage maples, oaks, fruit trees, and grapevines
The honeydew they leave behind can coat decks, cars, and siding
Large infestations can weaken trees and cause long-term health issues
Their numbers multiply fast
When Do Lanternflies Appear in New Jersey?
Lanternflies typically emerge in May as nymphs, growing through four stages before reaching full size by July or August. Adults remain active through the fall, when they begin laying eggs.
The key to getting ahead of them is early detection and targeted removal during their nymph and adult phases.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Rid of Lanternflies in Your Yard
1. Kill Them on Sight
It may sound harsh, but the state of New Jersey actively encourages residents to stomp them, trap them, or kill them however you can.
They’re not dangerous to humans or pets, so there’s no harm in squishing them directly.
2. Use Tree Banding
If lanternflies are swarming your trees, wrap the trunks with sticky bands or trap wraps. These catch nymphs as they crawl upward. Check the bands daily, and replace them when they get full.
Tip: Add a wire mesh around the band to avoid accidentally trapping birds or squirrels.
3. Remove Egg Masses
From September to April, lanternflies lay grayish mud-like egg masses on trees, fences, patio furniture, rocks — pretty much anywhere outdoors.
Use a plastic card or putty knife to scrape the eggs into a container filled with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. This will kill them before they hatch.
4. Apply Insecticidal Soap or Neem Oil
For low-impact chemical control, spray insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil directly onto nymphs or adults. These are safe for plants and effective when used consistently.
Avoid broad-spectrum pesticides that can harm beneficial insects.
5. Trim Back Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)
This invasive tree species is a lanternfly favorite. If you have one in your yard, consider removing it or applying systemic insecticides to it only — which can act as a trap tree, killing lanternflies that feed on it.
Need help identifying trees or applying safe treatments? Contact Quick Sidekick for expert yard maintenance in New Jersey.
Read more here
When to Call a Professional
Lanternflies can overwhelm your yard if you wait too long.
Call Quick Sidekick for help if:
You see dozens (or hundreds) of them swarming
They keep returning after you’ve treated the area
Trees or shrubs are showing signs of decline
You want a chemical-free, environmentally safe removal plan
We offer yard cleanups, seasonal pest control, and tree trimming services across New Jersey — all tailored to your specific landscape and infestation size.
Exterior pressure washing if you’re dealing with sticky mess on patios or siding