Spotted lantern flies are back and they’re expected to be even worse than last year.
Now is the time to start squishing spotted lanternflies. Andy Amrhein, owner of Evey True Value tells KDKA Radio the lantern flies are following the same path as stink bugs.
“We are in the third year of the spotted lantern fly,” said Amrhein. “First year was so-so, last year was horrendous, this year is going to be twice what last year was.”
Right now, it’s the nymphs or babies “hoping all over the place” and Amrhein adds they’re able to stick to everything.
Your best bet at getting rid of the bug is to squish them. You can also use product Captain Jack’s Dead Bug Brew.
Other insecticides (chemical and organic) will kill the bugs as well, but you have to be a good aim if you want to hit them directly.
As the summer progresses, you’ll see more and more lanternflies, so be ready.
The good news, Amrhein says it’s predicted the lanternfly will begin to be less of an issue in 2025, as more predators continue to learn they can eat them.