Safe Spotted Lanternfly Removal

Last year, Spotted Lanternfly populations surged across Ashburn, disrupting outdoor activities and leaving behind sticky honeydew that turns into black, sooty mold on patios, furniture, and plants. A major reason for this spike is their strong preference for the Tree of Heaven, where they reproduce at rates up to seven times higher than on other trees. Reducing this tree will help reduce general populations over time, but in the short term, lanternflies have shifted to other trees, like maples. Avoid sprays and sticky bands Please do not spray pesticides or use sticky tape traps. These methods often harm birds, bats, and pollinators far more than they help control lanternflies. Circle traps are designed to take advantage of the lanternfly's natural behavior of climbing upward. A mesh skirt wraps around the tree trunk and funnels the insects into a collection container at the top. Traps photographed in nearby Courts and Ridges HOA captured hundreds, even thousands, of nymphs on a single tree, with no observed harm to other insects or wildlife. A 4-pack of circle traps can be purchased online for about $20. If you prefer a DIY approach, Penn State University provides step-by-step instructions for building your own using common materials. See one? Squash it. It is simple but effective. If you spot a lanternfly, stepping on it helps reduce the population. Circle traps are one of the most effective ways to get ahead of this year's lanternfly population while protecting birds, pollinators, and other beneficial species. Combined with ongoing community efforts like Tree of Heaven removal, they can make a meaningful difference in your yard this season.