Spotted Lanternfly and Ash Trees
Two invasive insects have changed tree care in the Lehigh Valley: the spotted lanternfly, a sap-feeder that spread across southeastern Pennsylvania, and the emerald ash borer, which has killed huge numbers of ash trees.
Request a tree serviceSpotted lanternfly
Adults are about an inch long with gray wings spotted black and bright red hind wings. They cluster on trunks and feed on sap.
Signs
Sticky honeydew on decks and cars, black sooty mold and swarms on trees in late summer.
Favorite host
Tree-of-heaven is its favorite host. Removing it from your property helps.
Egg masses
Gray, mud-like egg masses on trees, stone and outdoor furniture can be scraped off in fall and winter.
Emerald ash borer
This metallic green beetle tunnels under ash bark and kills trees within a few years.
Signs of EAB
Thinning canopy, D-shaped exit holes, bark splits and woodpecker damage on ash.
Treat or remove
Valuable ash can sometimes be protected with treatments if caught early; dead ash should come down before it becomes brittle.
Get help
A tree service can identify and treat or remove affected trees.
Next
See tree health and pest checks.
More tree service guides
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