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Bee-Gone Termite & Pest Control

Lantern Fly v2

Protect Your Property from Invasive Lantern Flies

Serving Homeowners in Red Bank, Toms River, Edison, and Surrounding NJ Communities

Lantern Fly Control in New Jersey

Serving Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex, and Union Counties

Spotted lantern flies are more than just a nuisance—they’re an invasive species threatening trees, gardens, and outdoor spaces across New Jersey. Known for swarming in late summer and fall, these pests damage plants by feeding on sap and leaving behind a sticky residue that promotes mold growth. Bee-Gone Termite & Pest Control helps homeowners in towns like Red Bank, Toms River, and Edison stop infestations early with targeted, effective treatment plans.

We provide expert spotted lantern fly control for properties throughout Central and Coastal New Jersey.

Adult spotted lanternfly on smooth green surface — invasive pest in New Jersey known for damaging trees and plants

Why Lantern Flies Are a Growing Concern

Native to Asia, the spotted lanternfly has rapidly spread across New Jersey in recent years. These insects primarily target hardwood trees — especially ailanthus (tree of heaven), maple, black walnut, and fruit trees — but they also swarm decks, fences, and homes.

  • Heavy feeding weakens trees and causes wilting
  • They excrete a sticky "honeydew" that attracts mold, ants, and wasps
  • Swarms can cover outdoor furniture, walls, and walkways
  • Reproduction is fast — one female lays up to 50 eggs per mass

While lanternflies don't bite or sting, their sheer numbers and tree damage make them a serious nuisance that worsens year after year without intervention.

Spotted Lanternfly Life Cycle:

  • Egg Masses (Sept – May): Grayish, putty-like clusters found on trees, rocks, and outdoor furniture.

  • Nymph Stage – Black (May – July): Tiny black insects with white spots — fast and hard to catch.

  • Nymph Stage – Red (July – Sept): Bright red with black and white spots — increasingly damaging.

  • Adult Stage (July – Dec): Winged, spotted adults that swarm trees, decks, and structures.

Early detection and treatment at the nymph stage offers the best chance to prevent full-blown infestations.

Spotted lanternfly life cycle showing egg masses, black nymphs, red nymphs, and adult stage — seasonal infestation guide for NJ homeowners

Signs of Lanternfly Activity

  • Swarms gathering on tree trunks, patios, and siding
  • Sticky residue on cars, decks, or plant leaves
  • Egg masses — grayish, putty-like blobs on trees, furniture, or stone
  • Presence of sooty mold fungus or increased ant/wasp activity near trees.

Spotted lanternflies are more than just a seasonal annoyance. Without prompt intervention, they multiply rapidly and overwhelm your yard.

✔ Invasive & destructive
✔ Kill trees by feeding on sap
✔ Spread rapidly
✔ Each stage requires a unique treatment approach
✔ Swarms make it hard to enjoy your own yard

 

Adult spotted lanternfly resting on wooden fence post in rural New Jersey landscape — common sight during late summer and fall

Our Lantern Fly Control Process

Inspection & Assessment – We evaluate your property for tree hosts, egg masses, swarm activity, and ideal treatment zones.

Targeted Treatment – Our technicians apply EPA-approved products to kill adult lanternflies and nymphs on contact, while also using systemic treatments (when appropriate) to protect high-value trees.

Egg Mass Removal – During the fall and winter, we locate and scrape egg masses to prevent spring hatching.

Ongoing Monitoring & Seasonal Programs – We offer proactive treatments during peak swarming season (late summer to early fall) to reduce infestation risk year to year.

Control & Prevention Tips

  • Keep tree trunks clear of vines and ivy to reduce breeding areas.
  • Inspect and scrape egg masses in late fall and winter.
  • Avoid transporting firewood or outdoor gear that may harbor eggs.
  • Encourage neighbors to monitor and treat as well — community effort is key.

Ready to Protect Your Property from Lantern Flies?

Don’t wait for a full-blown infestation — Bee-Gone Termite & Pest Control offers seasonal treatments that reduce swarms and protect trees across Monmouth, Ocean, and Union Counties.

📞 Call now or request a quote online.

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Contact Us:

Bee-Gone Termite & Pest Control
Middletown, NJ 07748

908-468-2841

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get rid of spotted lanternflies in my backyard?
Start by scraping visible egg masses into a sealable bag with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. During summer, use a hose to knock adults off trunks, then vacuum or stomp them. Sticky tree bands (with a mesh guard to protect wildlife) can trap nymphs as they climb. For heavy infestations, a professional service can apply residual bark sprays and systemic tree treatments that kill lanternflies on contact and as they feed.
Do spotted lanternflies bite or sting humans or pets?
No. Lanternflies have piercing mouthparts for sap—not stingers or jaws—so they don’t bite or sting. Their main threat is plant damage and the sticky honeydew they leave behind.
Will lanternflies kill my maple or fruit trees?
They rarely kill mature maples or apple trees outright, but heavy feeding stresses them, reducing growth and fruit yield. Young trees, grapevines, and ornamentals are more vulnerable and can die after repeated seasons of high lanternfly pressure.
Are there safe, eco-friendly treatments for lanternflies?
Yes. Options include horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps sprayed directly onto nymphs, sticky bands fitted with wildlife-safe screening, and systemic trunk injections made from naturally derived active ingredients. These approaches minimize non-target impact while reducing lanternfly numbers.
Can I scrape lanternfly eggs off myself, and how?
Yes. In fall and winter, find the gray, putty-like egg masses on tree bark, decks, or patio furniture. Use a plastic card or putty knife to scrape them into a bag filled with rubbing alcohol or soapy water, then seal and dispose.
Why are lanternflies attracted to my deck and siding?
They congregate on sun-warmed, vertical surfaces—especially light-colored siding or railings—after feeding. Honeydew residue also draws them to surfaces where mold and fermented sap flavors accumulate.
What month do lanternfly nymphs start to hatch?
In New Jersey, egg masses typically hatch from late April through May, depending on spring temperatures.
Is it legal to transport firewood from an infested area?
No. New Jersey Department of Agriculture regulations prohibit moving untreated firewood or yard debris from quarantine zones because egg masses and adult lanternflies can hitchhike to new areas.
What pesticides are effective against spotted lanternflies?
Contact sprays with pyrethroids or carbaryl knock down adults quickly when applied to trunks and vines. Systemic insecticides containing dinotefuran or imidacloprid penetrate the tree’s sap stream and kill lanternflies as they feed. Bee-Gone’s licensed technicians apply these products under state guidelines, ensuring maximum impact on lanternflies with minimal risk to beneficial insects and surrounding plants.
Can lanternflies damage my vegetable garden or grapevines?
Grapevines are highly susceptible; heavy feeding can reduce sugar content and even kill young vines. Lanternflies generally ignore most vegetable crops but may land on tomato stakes or corn stalks while moving between preferred hosts. Protect nearby vines and fruit trees first to reduce overall population pressure.

Don’t Let Lanternflies Take Over — Call Bee-Gone Termite & Pest Control in Red Bank, NJ for Safe, Targeted Removal Across Central NJ Towns Like Middletown, Freehold, and Toms River.