New Style Spotted Lanternfly Circle Trap

How to Build a New Style Spotted Lanternfly Circle Trap

It is almost time to use traps to protect your trees from spotted lanternflies. Get ready now so you can trap lots of spotted lanternflies safely.

New Style Spotted Lanternfly Circle Trap

The spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive insect that feeds on grapevines and trees. There are a variety of options for SLF management, but one way to kill a lot of SLF without using insecticides is to trap them. The immature lanternflies (called nymphs) are often blown out of the canopy of the trees where they are feeding. Nymphs then walk to the trunk of trees and climb back up to start feeding again. We can take advantage of this predictable behavior of the nymphs by using traps to catch them as they climb up trees.

Many people in SLF infested areas have been using sticky bands wrapped around trees to capture nymphs. While this method can successfully capture many SLF nymphs it can also unfortunately occasionally capture birds and other creatures. If you are planning to use sticky bands this year, you should build a raised guard of wire or screening around the band to prevent other creatures from getting stuck on them. Penn State Extension has a short video that shows how to properly use sticky bands.

Recent research has shown that an entirely different kind of type of trap is also very effective and can dramatically reduce the chances of capturing other creatures. This new style trap is made of plastic-coated insect screening and does not use any sticky material at all. It is basically a tunnel that SLFs walk into. When they move upward in the trap, they end up in a dead-end collection container where they die. Currently, you can purchase this type of trap made specifically for SLF from one commercial source. Some people have been modifying similar commercially available traps designed for other insects to catch SLF. Other people have been making their own SLF traps from scratch.

This type of trap was originally designed to collect pecan weevils that also climb up the trunks of trees. They can be purchased commercially (search for circle weevil traps.) Pecan weevils are quite small, and the design of the pecan weevil trap can be modified to include a larger collection container to allow capture of high numbers of SLF. The collection container can be a repurposed item such as a clean peanut butter jar or even a sturdy plastic bag. A sturdy plastic bag that can be removed and replaced with a fresh one is a good way to go because you do not have to empty a container of rotting, stinky, dead insects. It also allows you to replace the old, dirty bag with a clean bag that will transmit daylight. SLF tend to move upward towards the light. Additionally, bags will begin to tip over as they get full, moving captured insects away from the entry port, which keeps the area free so more SLF can crawl in.

Some creative people have built similar traps and have devised a range of methods that work. Building these traps is a good project for anyone who wants to destroy SLF, save money by using materials they might already have on hand and practice their engineering skills. It could be a good project for families who are at home this spring due to the COVID19 pandemic.

You can use the trap on any infested tree. Nymphs of SLF are often found on Ailanthus altissima, commonly known as tree of heaven. Other trees to consider are walnut and willow. However, keep in mind that the traps will work best on trees with smooth bark. Bark with deep grooves may allow the SLF to crawl underneath the trap. The traps will probably work best to catch nymphs in spring and early summer.

To preserve the health of the tree that you are trying to protect, avoid using nails or wounding the green, living tissue underneath the bark. Only set up traps on trees on your property or where you have permission to do so. Also, remember to remove all parts of the trap at the end of the season.

I built a SLF circle trap and want to share my method with you:

Please click here for Materials list and further information.