Trap SLF Nymphs This June

After lower numbers in 2024, Spotted Lantern Flies have come roaring back.

The SMPollinators have two strategies for diminishing their numbers.

TRAP TAPE ON TREES

After only 24 hours on a Tree of Heaven in Brooklyn, the sticky white Trap Tape is black with dead SLF nymphs.

By locating the tape at head height and well away from flowering plants that attract bees and butterflies, only nymphs wind up on the tape. We used Catchmaster Tree Shield, readily available on Amazon and Home Depot.

To do a tree trap, measure the circumference of the tree and cut a piece of tape slightly longer. Wrap snugly around the tree, overlapping the tape to secure it. This is best done by two people. Use two rings of tape, one above the other, as live nymphs will walk upward over the bodies already trapped.

TAPE LOOPS FOR ROSES

In my own garden, I have been successfully killing nymphs on my roses and blackberries by making a loop of Trap Tape and gently touching the nymph on the plant.

Tape Loop, sized to fit easily over two fingers

Gently press tape to nymph on plant

One less SLF nymph!

To keep my loop handy, I store it

on a narrow necked bottle.