What Trees Do Spotted Lanternflies Attack? (Explained)

You’ve probably seen those flashy bugs with spotted wings hopping around your trees and thought, “Well, they look kind of pretty.” 

Don’t let the looks fool you, spotted lanternflies are bad news. 

These little troublemakers suck the sap out of trees, leave behind sticky residue, and can spread like wildfire once they show up.

In this post, we’ll go over what trees spotted lanternflies attack, how to spot the warning signs, and what you can do to protect your yard before things get out of hand.

Why Are Spotted Lanternflies A Problem?

Spotted lanternflies are sap-sucking insects, and that’s exactly what makes them so destructive.

They use straw-like mouths to pierce tree bark and slurp up sap, stealing nutrients the tree needs to stay healthy. Over time, that constant feeding weakens the plant, slows its growth, and makes it more vulnerable to disease and drought.

But that’s not all. As they feed, they excrete a sticky liquid called “honeydew.” 

It sounds sweet, but it’s anything but nice. 

The honeydew drips onto leaves, bark, and anything under the tree (cars, decks, furniture) and soon turns into a breeding ground for black sooty mold. That mold blocks sunlight from reaching the leaves, making it even harder for the tree to photosynthesize.

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And because spotted lanternflies reproduce quickly, a few can turn into hundreds before you know it. They also move fast – spreading through vehicles, plants, and even firewood. 

That’s why they’ve become such a nightmare for homeowners, farmers, and landscapers across several states.

Their Favorite Host: Tree Of Heaven

The most common target of spotted lanternflies is the Tree of Heaven. 

This tree is like a five-star buffet for them. It’s actually an invasive species itself, originally from Asia. Because they evolved together, the insects are naturally drawn to it.

Tree of Heaven is easy to recognize once you know what to look for. 

It has long, feather-like leaves that can stretch up to two or three feet, smooth gray bark, and a slightly skunky smell when the leaves or branches are crushed. 

You’ll often see these trees growing along roadsides, train tracks, or abandoned lots since they spread aggressively and don’t need much care.

What Other Trees Do Spotted Lanternflies Attack?

Even though Tree of Heaven is their favorite, spotted lanternflies are not picky eaters. They’ll move on to other trees and plants once they’ve drained their top choice.

Here are some of the trees they commonly attack:

• Maples (red, silver, and sugar)
  
• Black walnut
  
• Willow
  
• Birch
  
• Poplar
  
• Sycamore
  
• Sassafras
  
• Cherry and other stone fruit trees (like peach, plum, apricot)
  
• Grapevines

Grapevines are especially vulnerable. 

Many vineyards have reported serious damage because lanternflies suck out the sap and leave behind sticky honeydew that attracts mold and other pests. 

That’s bad news for wine lovers and fruit growers. 

Maples and black walnuts are also high on their menu, which means even mature, healthy shade trees aren’t safe.

Also Read: Invasive Trees in Virginia

Trees And Plants At Risk In Your Yard

If you live in an area where spotted lanternflies have been spotted, it’s smart to keep an eye on the trees and plants in your yard. 

They’re attracted to sap-rich species, so fruit trees and ornamentals are often the first to suffer. That means your peaches, cherries, grapes, or even maples could be at risk.

Lanternflies can also move into gardens, attacking vines and shrubs. They’re drawn to plants that produce lots of sweet sap or have thin bark they can easily pierce. 

Once a few show up, they can multiply fast and spread to neighboring yards.

So even if you don’t have a Tree of Heaven nearby, you’re not completely safe. If your neighborhood or local park has one, there’s a good chance the insects will migrate over once they’ve finished feeding there.

Signs Your Trees Are Under Attack

You don’t need to be a tree expert to spot an infestation. Once you know the signs, they’re actually pretty hard to miss.

Here’s what to look out for:

• Sticky residue or shiny patches on leaves, branches, or the ground (that’s the honeydew they leave behind).
  
• Black sooty mold growing on bark or nearby surfaces.
  
• Egg masses that look like grayish, mud-like patches stuck to trunks, rocks, or even outdoor furniture.
  
• Sap oozing from wounds on the tree.
  
• Swarms of adult lanternflies clustering on the same tree trunk, especially late in summer or early fall.

The adult insects are easy to recognize. They have grayish wings with black spots and bright red hindwings that show when they fly. 

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The nymphs, which show up earlier in the season, are black with white dots, and later turn red and black before reaching adulthood.

If you start noticing sticky spots on your deck or car parked under a tree, that’s another big clue. The insects might be feeding high up in the canopy where you can’t easily see them.

How To Protect Your Trees From Spotted Lanternflies

There are plenty of ways to fight back and protect your trees from spotted lanternflies.

Start by scraping off and destroying any egg masses you find during fall and winter. You can use a plastic card or putty knife, then drop them into a mix of rubbing alcohol and water to kill them. 

Traps can also help during the warmer months. Sticky bands wrapped around trunks can catch nymphs as they crawl upward, but make sure to cover them with a mesh or cage to avoid accidentally trapping birds or beneficial insects.

If you have a Tree of Heaven nearby, consider removing it or at least treating it with an approved insecticide to limit feeding.

For large-scale problems, reach out to your local extension office or pest control professional. They can suggest safe chemical or biological controls suited to your area. 

And whatever you do, don’t transport firewood, yard waste, or outdoor furniture that might carry eggs or adults. 

That’s one of the biggest ways they spread to new areas.

Bottom Line

Spotted lanternflies will always attack a Tree of Heaven first, but they’ll also go after maples, walnuts, willows, grapes, and fruit trees as well. 

The earlier you spot them, the easier it is to keep them from taking over your yard.

So keep an eye out for those spotted wings, sticky residue, or egg patches, and take action fast. With a little attention and early control, you can protect your trees and stop these colorful pests from turning your landscape into their personal buffet.