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If you see a spotted lanternfly, the recommendation is simple: stomp the spread. These invasive pests are making their way into more communities, and every stomp can help slow their expansion. Discover how to identify and treat spotted lanternflies in the Triad region.
What is a Spotted Lanternfly?
Spotted lanternflies are native to Asia. They were first detected in the United States in Pennsylvania in 2014 and later identified in North Carolina in 2022. These invasive creatures feed by piercing plant tissue and sucking sap. They’re particularly harmful to grapevines and certain types of trees. Spotted lanternflies can reduce grapevine harvests by as much as 90%, according to North Carolina State University (NCSU) research.
Despite their name, spotted lanternflies don’t produce light. They belong to a group of insects known as planthoppers, and the name “lanternfly” comes from related species that have lantern-shaped head structures.
Identifying Spotted Lanternflies.
Understanding their lifecycle helps you recognize the pest year-round. Spotted lanternflies lay eggs in the fall. The eggs hatch in the spring, and after several nymph stages, the insects mature into adults by summer.
Spotted lanternflies are easy to recognize once you know what to look for. Adult lanternflies are about 1 inch long, with gray forewings covered in black spots. When they open their wings, they reveal striking red hindwings with black spots and white bands.
Younger lanternflies, called nymphs, look different throughout the season. Early-stage nymphs are small and black with white spots, while older nymphs develop bright red patches in addition to their black-and-white coloring.
You may also spot their egg masses, which resemble smears of gray or tan mud on tree trunks, rocks, outdoor furniture, vehicles and other smooth surfaces. Because they often hitch rides on cars, trailers and firewood, it’s important to carefully inspect these items if you’ve been in an area with an infestation.
Why are Spotted Lanternflies a problem?
Spotted lanternflies are a problem because they feed on the sap of more than 100 plant species, weakening trees, vines and other vegetation over time. Their favorite hosts include grapevines, hops, stone fruit trees and the invasive tree-of-heaven, but they also damage many ornamental and agricultural plants.
As they feed, they excrete a sticky substance called honeydew that encourages the growth of black sooty mold, attracts wasps and other insects and creates a messy nuisance on patios, decks and vehicles. Large infestations can stress or kill plants and have caused significant economic losses for vineyards and other agricultural industries, making it important to help slow their spread whenever possible.
Although spotted lanternflies may gather on trees, decks, patios and outdoor furniture, they don’t infest homes or reproduce indoors. Their primary threat is to landscapes, gardens and agriculture.
Where are they found in the Triad?
Since first confirmed in Forsyth County near the Guilford County border in June 2022, spotted lanternflies continue to spread in North Carolina. By spring 2025, live populations had also been confirmed in Reidsville (Rockingham County) and Lenoir (Caldwell County).
As populations continue to expand across North Carolina, homeowners in Greensboro, High Point, Kernersville, Walkertown and Oak Ridge may notice more sightings each year. Staying vigilant can help slow the spread before infestations become established. Homeowners in these areas are encouraged to “stomp the spread” whenever they encounter spotted lanternflies and destroy egg masses when found.
It’s also important to:
- Inspect outdoor items before traveling
- Check vehicles and campers
- Remove tree-of-heaven when appropriate
- Report sightings if requested by local or state agencies
What to do if I see a Spotted Lanternfly?
If you see a spotted lanternfly, take a photo and report it to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. After that, NCSU recommends stomping on spotted lanternflies on the ground or at the base of trees. You can crush egg masses to get rid of these pests before they hatch. Explore the university’s other tips and tricks to protect your landscaping in its homeowner management guide.
Trusted North Carolina pest control.
While spotted lanternflies aren’t a pest that Terminix Triad currently treats, our team is committed to helping homeowners stay informed about invasive pests affecting North Carolina landscapes. If you’re dealing with ants, termites, mosquitoes, rodents or other household pests, our local experts can help protect your home year-round.
Our technicians understand the pest pressures facing homeowners throughout Kernersville, Walkertown, Oak Ridge, High Point, Greensboro and beyond. For a reliable pest control service, choose Terminix Triad. Schedule your inspection today.
Call now
(877) 372-9696
(877) 372-9696
or request your free quote.
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