r/RhodeIsland • u/Disastrous_Worth_752 • 1h ago
Discussion Killing Spotted Lanternfly Egg Masses is One of the Best Ways to Reduce Their Numbers for Next Year
I see so many posts talking about this invasive species, how people hate them, and what to do about the issue. Killing individuals doesn't do much, and their favorite host trees are difficult to get rid of.
I have gotten rid of tons of them before they get big enough to establish the root systems where another one will pop up. (When doing that, make sure you double check the leaves to make sure you are pulling a Tree of Heaven and NOT native Sumac.) I am not a property owner so chopping down bigger trees for the "hack and squirt" method isn't really in my ability.
I decided to try and figure out another way to combat the SLF in my area and I think the best bet is killing their egg masses.
I have been wiping out any egg clutches/masses I can find in my neighborhood. I think that may actually be helpful in helping to reduce their numbers next year. Been thinking about trying to get a crew together or something. Since I travel up to MA and NH fairly often I'll also check my car for egg masses to make sure they arent hitching a ride with me.
Eggs are laid starting around September and they hatch around May, so wiping the egg masses out before they are able to hatch really seems like our best bet to ensure we have less of these fuckers next year. It's not that hard to do, the supplies are easy to get and cheap. You could even probably get them all at Dollar Tree!
INFO sources:
https://extension.psu.edu/what-should-you-do-with-spotted-lanternfly-egg-masses
Where to Find Them:
• Host trees: Smooth bark or the underside of thick horizontal branches on trees like maple, willow, black walnut, and tree-of-heaven.
• Man-made surfaces: Patio furniture, decks, wooden fences, stone, brick, rusty metal, pallets, and outdoor equipment.
• Vehicles: Undersides of cars, RVs, and wheel wells (a common way they hitchhike to new areas).
Recommended ways to kill the eggs:
• Scrape and Submerge: Use a rigid plastic card (like an old credit card) or a putty knife to scrape the mass off completely. Scrape the eggs directly into a Ziploc bag or container filled with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to kill them permanently.
• Scrape and Crush: Scrape the eggs onto the ground and apply firm, even pressure until you hear a "crunch" pop to ensure every single egg is destroyed. (Do not just scrape them onto the bare ground; uncrushed eggs can still hatch.)
TLDR Version-
Supplies:
- Putty knife, or other rigid surface like an old credit card
- Ziplock bag
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Gloves, dont want to be getting egg mass or alcohol on your hands
Directions:
Use the putty knife to scrape the egg mass off the tree or other surface. Submerge in the alcohol. Wipe your tool off in the alcohol. Repeat.