Even though the invasive spotted lanternfly may be making a sticky mess in your backyard during the warmer months on your fruit trees, you shouldn’t assume that this pest is doing nothing because the weather has cooled off.
In many counties in northern Kentucky, the spotted lanternfly is already established, and it’s possible—possibly equally likely—that it’s just waiting to be found in other regions of the state.
The spotted lanternfly, like many other insects, lays eggs that hatch in the spring to survive the winter. Therefore, you can still find them next summer even if they aren’t in your neighborhood right now.
Here’s the most recent information on the pest’s spread in the Bluegrass State, along with tips on how to look for their eggs over the winter and what to do if you come across any.
In Kentucky, where may one find spotted lanternflies?
The spotted lanternfly, which is rapidly spreading over the northern portion of the state, poses a threat to Kentucky’s native forests and crops.
The Kentucky Office of the State Entomologist, which has its headquarters at the University of Kentucky, recently announced that sightings had occurred in five more counties in early December. The agency said on Facebook that the counties are Owen, Grant, Henry, Campbell, and Carroll.
Originating in regions of East Asia, the spotted lanternfly was discovered in the United States for the first time in 2014. It was initially found in Gallatin County, Kentucky, in 2023. Boone and Kenton counties have also reported seeing it.
Eggs, Guns, and Gym Memberships: What 2025’s New Laws Will Change
The spotted lanternfly: what is it?
The spotted lanternfly, which is distinguished by its characteristic spotted and striped wings, feeds on plant sap, weakening and occasionally destroying trees including willow, maple, apple, walnut, pine, poplar, and stone fruit trees.
Additionally, the spotted lanternfly poses a threat to a number of Kentucky’s agricultural sectors, such as the production of wine and hops. In addition to being an annoyance to farmers, spotted lanternflies’ honeydew excrement may make your backyard a sticky mess.
The insect’s eggs may survive Kentucky winters until the spring, when their offspring emerge and the life cycle restarts, but the adults are active from July to November. A single mass of spotted lanternfly eggs, which resemble smears of mud on trees, can give rise to up to 50 nymphs.
How to find the eggs of spotted lanternflies?
Spotted lanternfly egg masses can occasionally be difficult to locate, according to a Virginia Department of Forestry advisory. The spotted lanternfly’s favored host plant is tree of heaven, another intruder that is strangling off local animals. If you notice tree of heaven in large quantities, check for the insect.
The egg masses themselves, which are only an inch long, are found on trees in sheltered spots and, because of their similar appearance, can be mistaken for tree lichen.
If the eggs are laid in small rows, you will know you are dealing with spotted lanternfly eggs. The oval-shaped eggs are encased in a glossy, white shell that, when dried, turns gray or brown. Over time, the casing breaks and loses its color.
In contrast to the well-organized eggs of spotted lanternflies, tree lichen seems more scattered and spotty.
Search for egg masses in the crooks of tree branches or on their undersides. They occasionally appear beneath patio tables as well.
Georgia Judge Dies Suddenly on His Last Day on the Bench
If you come across spotted lanternfly eggs, what should you do?
Take a high-quality picture and email it to [email protected] if you come across spotted lanternfly eggs somewhere other than where they have already been found.
The eggs can then be completely mashed. The individual eggs should be broken open with strong pressure using a nearby stick. Once you’ve stopped the spread of an invasive insect that is upsetting Kentucky’s ecosystems and agriculture, you can celebrate.