How to build a spotted lantern trap

Have you seen a strange insect in the northeastern United States? Have you heard the call to destroy the spotted lanterns on the spot? Have you wondered why this innocent looking beetle has such a bad reputation? What are spotted fireflies? Where do they live and how can they be identified? Find the answers to these questions and learn how to build the best spotted lantern trap.

What is a spotted lantern?

According to the PennState Extension, “The spotted lantern fly (SLF) is an invasive insect that feeds on vines and trees.” It is a type of jumping insect known as the grasshopper.

What do spotted fireflies look like?

The spotted lantern is small, about 1 inch long, and when its wings are spread it resembles a moth. As the name suggests, it has black spots on its gray or reddish wings. The wingtips are also black or speckled, and the hind wings have bright red spots. Adults can also jump long distances.

Nymphs, or the mature form of the spotted lantern fly, also have spots. Weevils or beetle insects can be black or black and red with white spots. This unique coloration makes them easily recognizable.

Where do spotted fireflies live?

Spotted lanterns originated in Asia, where they are an important part of their natural ecosystems in Vietnam, India and China. They have been discovered in Pennsylvania, USA since 2014. They have also been found in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Connecticut, Virginia, and West Virginia. Attempts have been made to control their spread, but they may soon be found in other states of New England. Japan and South Korea are also fighting this invasive species.

Why catch a spotted lantern fly?

Spotted fireflies can damage certain plants. This is especially a problem when trees or vines are grown for commercial use. In fact, it eats or lays eggs on nearly 200 species of North American plants, including pine, apple, plum, cherry, and peach. Groups of insects, although they do not bite, can also cause inconvenience to humans.

A spotted lantern infestation can damage or kill plants. They eat the sap of trees, leaving wounds that can become infected. The sweet feces of nymphs can also cause soot mold to grow on the host plant. Vines affected by these insects usually do not bear fruit.

Some control systems use insecticides to kill spotted lanterns, but this creates an additional problem. Insecticides also kill beneficial insects such as bees and predatory insects that feed on pests. Using a trap is an effective way to reduce populations of spotted lantern flies with minimal impact on other species.

Dishwashing spray is a safer alternative to pesticides. Mix equal parts water and dish detergent in a spray bottle and spray on adults, nymphs, or eggs. The mixture kills spotted lanterns on contact, but is safe for people, pets and most plants.

How the Spotted Lantern Trap Works

Immature fireflies known as nymphs often feed in tree crowns. If they are blown away by the wind, the still flightless insects climb the tree trunks to return to the upper branches. Some types of traps exploit this behavior by trapping nymphs as they climb up.

One type of trap is a sticky tape placed horizontally around the tree trunk. This method is effective at stopping nymphs, but unfortunately, it can also catch other insects and even small reptiles and birds. A metal mesh can be placed around the ribbon, which will allow the nymphs to pass through while keeping out larger creatures. This style of trap is generally not recommended.

The second type of trap is known as the round weevil trap. It is so named because it was originally developed for catching walnut weevils, which also walk in trees. Round traps consist of an insect repelling tunnel that insects enter and a collection container that creates a dead end. These types of traps can be purchased at the store or made by hand. It is considered the best option for catching lantern flies.

Next, we’ll go over the materials and steps required to create a circle lantern trap.

How to build a spotted lantern trap

You can buy lantern fly traps from the store or build your own. Here’s what you’ll need for DIY.

Spotted Lantern Trap Materials: What You Will Need to Create the Best Spotted Lantern Trap

You can use a clean jar of peanut butter or mayonnaise or a large Ziploc style plastic bag as a collection container. The bag option makes it easy to clean up as you can seal it up and throw it away, rather than pouring dead, smelly insects out of the can into the trash can. It also flexes, allowing trapped insects to fall into a corner. This prevents the trap entrance from becoming clogged.

Make sure the jar or bag you choose is clear and unpainted, as insects tend to move up towards the light. Dirty or opaque containers will suppress this behavior.

You will also need window netting, wood, wire, plastic milk jugs, duct tape, hot glue, staples, ties and twine or similar cord. The screen should be rectangular in size between 2 and 3 feet. If the trap is placed on a very large tree, you may need more. Some people report that a plastic coated screen performs better than a bare wire screen. For wood, you can use readily available materials such as yardsticks or paint stirrers.

Step 1. Create a funnel

Cut the lids from the plastic milk jugs and attach them to each other with the spouts inward and the cut edges outward. Apply a strip of hot glue around the joint and secure with duct tape. The result should be a two-sided funnel.

Step 2: attach the screen

Cut a small semicircular notch from the top edge of your window or insect screen. This semicircle should be about 1 inch long. Then attach the mesh to one hole in the funnel. Use a notch to cut the material until it covers the inside of the funnel and overlaps the edges. Secure with hot glue. Be patient – let the glue dry as you work. Then attach it to the bottom of the funnel with hot glue.

Step 3. Assemble the supports

Cut a piece of wood 18 inches long. Attach it to the bottom of the funnel inside the mesh. Then attach the mesh with staples to the wood.

Join the ends of the mesh together to create a “tunnel”. Attach the ends to a smaller piece of wood, about 12 inches long.

Then make a large U shape out of the wire. Attach it to the bottom of the mesh, centering the shorter piece of wood over it and opposite the longer one. Depending on the wire, you can braid it through the mesh or secure it with staples.

Step 4: set the trap

Attach the trap to the tree. Tie the funnel of the trap to the tree with twine or cord. Avoid using nails or screws as they can damage the wood fabric.

Attach half of the shield wirelessly to the trunk by pressing the longer piece of wood against the trunk. For this, you can use a cord or buttons. The net should lie flat against the tree so that insects crawl onto it strongly, and not under it.

Position the wire so that it pushes the side of the short piece of wood away from the tree, forming a tunnel.

Step 5: assemble the collection container

Place a collection container at the top of the funnel. If you are using a can, warp the funnel so that it slides into the mouth of the can, then cover the opening with tape.

If you are using a plastic bag, cut one corner to fit over the funnel. Tighten it with a zip tie. Make sure the zippered side is closed tightly.

Step 6: test your trap

Remember to check and empty the trap frequently, even daily. Why? The full trap will clog up and you won’t catch additional spotted flies. In addition, dead insects will soon begin to rot and stink if the trap is not emptied.

Where should I set my trap?

You can attach the trap to any tree teeming with spotted lanterns. Walnut, willow and sky tree are often hosts for these insects. Try to choose trees with smooth bark. Trees with coarse bark or deeply grooved bark are not suitable as the nymphs will walk along the bark furrows under the trap!

Preventing Spotted Lights

Spotted lanterns can hitchhike over plants, building or landscaping materials, or outdoor furniture obtained from contaminated areas. Inspect the materials and, if possible, rinse them with dish soap to remove nymphs and eggs.

Next: Can Elephants Jump?