Spotted lanternflies have become a growing concern for homeowners and farmers alike. These invasive pests not only damage plants but can also create a sticky mess with their honeydew secretion, which leads to mold growth. While chemical treatments are available, many people prefer natural methods to deter these pests without harming the environment. If you’re looking for safe and effective ways to keep lanternflies away, here are six natural solutions to protect your property.
1. Remove Their Favorite Host Plants
One of the most effective ways to prevent spotted lanternflies from invading your yard is to eliminate their preferred food source. These pests are particularly attracted to the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), a fast-growing invasive tree. If you have these trees on your property, consider removing them to make your yard less appealing to lanternflies.
If cutting down the trees isn’t an option, you can treat them with horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps to make them less desirable. By reducing the presence of their favorite host plants, you can naturally decrease the number of lanternflies around your home.
2. Use Sticky Traps on Trees
Sticky bands wrapped around tree trunks can help trap spotted lanternflies as they climb. These pests tend to move up and down trees during different stages of their life cycle, making sticky traps a simple yet effective way to catch them.
To create a safe and effective trap:
- Wrap double-sided sticky tape around tree trunks.
- Place a protective mesh or screen over the tape to prevent birds and beneficial insects from getting stuck.
- Check the traps regularly and replace them as needed.
Sticky traps are particularly useful in areas where lanternflies are known to cluster, helping to significantly reduce their numbers over time.
3. Introduce Natural Predators
Encouraging natural predators is a great way to control spotted lanternfly populations without using pesticides. Some common predators that feed on lanternflies include:
- Chickens and ducks – These birds are excellent at eating lanternflies in all life stages.
- Praying mantises – Known for their appetite for insects, mantises will happily consume lanternflies.
- Spiders and assassin bugs – These natural hunters can help keep the population in check.
- Birds like woodpeckers and cardinals – While not their primary food source, some birds have been observed feeding on spotted lanternflies.
By creating a habitat that supports these natural predators, you can help reduce the number of lanternflies in your area without any chemical intervention.
4. Spray a Homemade Vinegar or Soap Solution
A simple and effective way to eliminate spotted lanternflies is by using household ingredients. Vinegar and soap solutions work by breaking down the exoskeleton of the insects, leading to dehydration and death.
How to make a natural spray:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it directly to the insects.
- Combine one tablespoon of dish soap with a quart of water and spray it on affected areas.
- Use neem oil, an organic insecticide, to disrupt the lanternfly life cycle.
These homemade sprays provide an eco-friendly way to control lanternflies without harming beneficial insects or plants.
5. Plant Repellent Vegetation
Certain plants naturally deter spotted lanternflies, making them a great addition to your garden or landscaping. Some plants known to repel lanternflies include:
- Lavender – The strong scent discourages many pests, including lanternflies.
- Mint – This fragrant herb acts as a natural repellent.
- Basil – Not only a useful kitchen herb but also a deterrent for pests.
- Garlic and chives – Their pungent smell keeps insects at bay.
Strategically placing these plants around your yard can help ward off an infestation. Additionally, maintaining a diverse landscape with various plant species can make your yard less appealing to pests that rely on specific host plants.
6. Use Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural powder made from crushed fossilized algae. It works as a mechanical insecticide by dehydrating and damaging the exoskeleton of pests like spotted lanternflies.
How to apply diatomaceous earth:
- Sprinkle food-grade DE around the base of trees and plants where lanternflies are commonly found.
- Reapply after rain to maintain its effectiveness.
- Avoid inhaling the dust, and use a mask when applying it in dry conditions.
Because DE is non-toxic to humans and pets, it is a safe and environmentally friendly option for pest control.
Spotted lanternflies can be a major nuisance, but you don’t need harsh chemicals to keep them away. By removing their favorite host plants, setting up sticky traps, encouraging natural predators, using homemade sprays, planting repellent vegetation, and applying diatomaceous earth, you can effectively control their presence on your property.
If you live in an area heavily affected by these pests, taking proactive measures early can prevent serious damage to your plants and trees. You may also want to consider hiring a spotted lanternfly control service to help if you feel your efforts are not solving the issue. A combination of these natural methods will help protect your yard while keeping the environment safe.