If you’re in New Jersey, June marks an active and crucial period for managing the spotted lanternfly. This invasive pest is notorious for its destructive habits, particularly during the nymph stages, which dominate this time of year. Allow your local exterminators, Allison Pest Control, to inform you about spotted lanternfly behavior and guide your actions against these pests.
What are Spotted Lanternflies Doing in June?
During June, you won’t encounter adult spotted lanternflies just yet. Instead, their nymph forms are actively feeding on host plants, causing noticeable damage. Nymphs are voracious eaters, targeting a range of plants and leaving behind early signs of stress, such as wilting or discolored leaves. Their feeding habits, which involve piercing plant tissues, weaken overall plant health.
Adding to the chaos, as nymphs feed, they excrete honeydew. This is a sticky substance that not only damages plants further but also attracts other insects like ants and wasps. You may notice these insects swarming areas where nymphs are present, creating a secondary nuisance.
Spotted Lanternfly Behavior and Patterns
Understanding spotted lanternfly behavior is essential to inform management. Nymphs are highly mobile in June, actively searching for feeding sites and forming large aggregations on preferred plants like the tree of heaven, grapevines, and certain fruit trees. During this period, they also molt, transitioning into later instars as they prepare for adulthood. This progression makes nymph control strategies a top priority, as reducing their numbers now can prevent future infestations.
Fortunately, New Jersey’s natural predators begin to target these nymphs in June. Birds, spiders, and certain insects contribute to keeping lanternfly populations in check. Still, their impact alone isn’t sufficient to eliminate large infestations.
Why Action Matters Now
June is a pivotal month for spotted lanternfly management. Focusing on controlling nymph populations can significantly reduce damage to plants and lower the number of adult lanternflies later in the season. Look out for aggregations of nymphs and signs of plant stress, and employ effective control methods, such as removing eggs earlier in the year or applying targeted pesticides.
By addressing the spotted lanternfly problem during the nymph stage, New Jersey residents can protect their landscapes and prevent larger infestations in the months to come.
