Spotted Lanternfly Timeline

Spotted Lanternfly Life Stages in Charlottesville, VA 

The Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive species of planthopper from East Asia. They are known to destroy local agriculture, vegetation, and feed on plants and trees such as maples, tree-of-heaven, and local fruit trees. Spotted lanternflies secrete a honeydew mixture which results in sooty mold growth that attracts swarms of yellowjackets and causes damage to cars and residential properties.

Because spotted lanternflies have become such a significant presence in Charlottesville, the control efforts have shifted from reporting their presence to focusing on damage control. Understanding each stage and its corresponding month can help you identify and reduce spotted lanternfly activity at your home and property. Spotted lanternflies produce one generation per year, which begins with the egg laying stage from September through April. 

The egg laying stage consists of egg clusters which tend to resemble mud or putty. These grayish brown streaks of egg clusters can typically be found along tree trunks, underneath wheel wells, along patio furniture, and other outdoor spaces. During winter, these egg clusters begin to crack and reveal the hidden sacs of eggs. This stage is when spotted lanternflies commonly hitchhike on cars, tractors, and other containers where they can be moved from one location to another.

The spring months bring the growth of nymphs. Early nymphs appear around May to June and are identified by their tiny black bodies with bright white spots. They can sometimes be confused with beetles or spiders and are highly mobile. The late nymph stage in July is when spotted lanternflies become bright red with black spots and begin feeding on nearby vegetation. The adult stage lasts from August to the first hard freeze. In this stage, spotted lanternflies are about one inch long and are characterized by their bright red underwings, black patches, and white spots. The adult stage is when spotted lanternflies feast most aggressively on tree-of-heaven, local grapevines, and backyard landscaping in Charlottesville neighborhoods. 

Reduce Spotted Lanternflies at Your Charlottesville Home

Because spotted lanternflies in Charlottesville are known to hitch a ride on wheel wells and cargo, they can become difficult to manage and contain. If you have spent time in a wildlife area, nature reserve, or local park, be sure to inspect the areas underneath your car and around your wheel wells to identify possible egg masses. If you notice the signs of egg masses on trees in your yard, along stone walls, or underneath your car, scrape and dispose of them immediately.

At the nymph stage, the most straightforward method for reducing their presence is the squish methods. Nymphs are small enough to be addressed fairly quickly, although quick identification is paramount. To locate nymphs, look for tiny black bugs similar to beetles or ticks. Consider safely using circle bands or sticky traps around trees to catch them as they crawl along tree trunks. Circle bands are the safer method as they protect against accidentally catching wildlife. If you choose to use sticky bands, make sure to encapsulate them with mesh wiring to avoid the possibility of injuring birds or squirrels.

If you happen to notice the presence of spotted lanternflies, alert the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. For more information on ways to reduce and control spotted lanternflies and other pests, head to our dedicated Charlottesville blog.

Professional Spotted Lanternfly Control in Charlottesville 

Our Charlottesville team at Mosquito Squad Plus is here to help you reduce and control the presence of spotted lanternflies at your home. Our Charlottesville technicians will focus on areas where spotted lanternflies typically hatch and feast in order to address their presence at the source. Often, this will mean treating trees-of-heaven. This is one of the most effective ways to treat a population of spotted lanternflies.

For Reliable Spotted Lanternfly Control in Charlottesville, VA Near You

Spotted lanternflies turning up in Charlottesville? Call Mosquito Squad Plus of Charlottesville at (434) 363-9274 or contact us online for a free quote.