Lanternflies are easy to identify. Adults are about an inch long, with gray wings featuring black spots and red and black underwings. Nymphs are black with white spots, turning red before maturity. They use a needle-like mouthpart to pierce plants and suck out sap, sapping the plant’s life energy.

If you see a lanternfly, “the recommended course of action is to eliminate it.” You can squash the adults or nymphs directly. Destroying egg masses, which look like gray mud smears, is also crucial. Scrape them into a bag with alcohol or hand sanitizer to kill the eggs.

Taking action against lanternflies is essential to protect our plants and environment. If you spot one, remember the damage they can cause and act to help keep our ecosystems healthy.