Eliminate the Spotted Lanternfly

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an exotic, invasive pest that feeds on trees, including about 47% of the trees in our state, according to the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES). These pests have the power to decimate forests and cause untold damage, including destruction of fruit-bearing trees which could negatively impact the state’s agricultural producers.

The spotted lanternfly was first found in Fairfield County in 2020 and has been spreading rapidly ever since. It has been reported in all 8 counties of CT in the intervening four years. In 2023, the Experiment Station fielded about 9,000 reports of SLF from throughout the State.

What to do if you see a SLF

CAES says that if you think you have seen spotted lanternflies do not attempt to move them or any wood or other potentially infested material.

• Kill any spotted lanternflies you find immediately!
• Report potential sightings: If you suspect you have found a SLF, snap a picture of it and fill out this SLF Reporting Form.
• Follow these tips for dealing with spotted lanternflies
• Please check your vehicles for stowaways! Inspect your vehicles, trailers, and other items for SLF adults and egg masses when travelling through areas with known or suspected SLF populations.

Extra guidance for homeowners, grape growers, and commercial operators can be found on the Agricultural Experiment Station web page.

CAES is asking people to report sightings to Connecticut Spotted Lantern Fly (SLF) Reporting (arcgis.com)