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Mosquito Authority of Central Maryland, MD
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HELP REDUCE THIS INVASIVE SPECIES WITH OUR LOCAL EXPERTS

The spotted lanternfly (SLF) presents a significant threat to ecosystems and agriculture alike, and this invasive species is rapidly spreading across states and regions. Since first being detected in Pennsylvania in 2014, SLF has spread to 13 other states. It’s important to address infestations with spotted lanternfly treatment services promptly to mitigate their spread and reduce their destructive impact on your foliage and crops.

At Mosquito Authority, our decades of experience and understanding of the spotted lanternfly allow us to develop effective reduction strategies and help combat their proliferation. Implementing treatment services can halt the lanternfly’s advancement, particularly by disrupting its life cycle.

Our Areas of Service

  • Admiral Heights
  • Annapolis
  • Annapolis Neck
  • Arnold
  • Arundel Beach
  • Arundel on the Bay
  • Bayside Beach
  • Bowie
  • Cape St. Claire
  • Chartwell
  • Chelsea Beach
  • Columbia
  • Crofton
  • Crownsville
  • Eastport
  • Ft. Meade
  • Gambrills
  • Gibson Island 
  • Glen Burnie 
  • Herald Harbor 
  • Jacobsville 
  • Lake Shore 
  • Laurel 
  • Manresa 
  • Millersville 
  • Odenton 
  • Parole 
  • Pasadena 
  • Riviera Beach 
  • Rolling Hills 
  • Russett 
  • Severna Park 
  • St. Margaret's 
  • The Downs 
  • Woodwardville 
  • And more

and surrounding areas

What to Know About Spotted Lanternflies in Annapolis, MD

IDENTIFICATION

  • Adult SLF are approximately one inch long and ½-inch wide at rest 
  • The forewing is grey with black spots, and the wing tips are reticulated black blocks outlined in grey 
  • The hind wings have contrasting patches of red and black with a white band 
  • The legs and head are black; the abdomen is yellow with broad black bands

EGG MASSES

  • SLF females can lay one or two egg masses in a season 
  • Egg masses are about one inch long, with about 30 to 50 eggs per mass 
  • Egg masses are laid just about anywhere, with most being laid on trees 10 feet or higher above the ground 
  • When first laid, egg masses have a grey mud-like covering; older masses resemble cracked mud 

DAMAGE

  • Tree-of-heaven is a key host, but they feed on a wide variety of plants, including some important crops like grapes, fruit trees, and hardwoods 
  • SLF can cause the surfaces underneath the feeding area to become covered in honeydew excrement, creating an unusable area 
  • The excessive honeydew excrement can also create an environment ripe for sooty mold to grow, killing off the undergrowth below the feeding area

Practical Tips for Spotted Lanternfly Prevention in Annapolis, MD

Preventing the spread of the spotted lanternfly requires consistent and vigilant efforts. Ongoing prevention is crucial to curb spotted lanternfly infestations and reduce their impact on agriculture and ecosystems. Implementing effective preventative measures is key, and there are steps you can take to prevent future infestations.

Here are some practical tips you can use to avoid spreading the insects to other areas:

  • Inspect your vehicle for all stages of lanternflies
  • Purchase firewood from local companies
  • Remove and destroy egg clusters or masses found
  • Use a shop vac for mechanical removal or physical eradication
  • Remove any tree-of-heaven from your property
  • Trap SLF on trees with circle or sticky traps

When removing egg masses, the scrape and squash method is particularly effective. You can squash SLF egg masses directly on the surface where they’re laid with a stick, your hand, a card, or any other solid object by applying firm pressure as you scrape. You should feel the eggs burst under the pressure. Be sure to scrape the eggs into a plastic bag filled with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer, ensuring all the eggs come in contact with the liquid.

Regular maintenance of outdoor spaces and monitoring for signs of SLF can help catch infestations early on and prevent their spread. By staying proactive and employing preventative strategies targeted at the spotted lanternfly life cycle, we can work together to protect our environment and agricultural resources from the destructive effects of this invasive pest.

Get A Quote Now: (443) 320-6873 

We’re Here to Provide a Backyard Your Family Can Enjoy We work to eradicate mosquitoes and prevent their breeding cycle
  • No Commitments
    We provide a no-obligation estimate. After your technician arrives, they will outline the scope of work, price and approach to be used. This way, you never have to worry about surprise charges or hidden fees.
  • Rooted in Science
    Our service is a combination of treatments that break the mosquito's life cycle to prevent breeding habitats and larvae growth. Then, every 21 days we return to repeat the process.
  • Peace of Mind
    With Mosquito Authority, finding a highly trained mosquito professional is quick and easy. Our service guarantee, gives you the peace of mind that should the mosquitoes return, we can be responsive.