Spotted lanternflies have established significant populations in Burlington County, NJ. This 2026 guide covers identification, seasonal cycles, and professional treatment options for homeowners and property managers.
Spotted lanternflies (Lycorma delicatula) have become one of the most significant invasive pest threats in New Jersey, and Burlington County sits squarely within the established infestation zone. First detected in Pennsylvania in 2014, the species moved rapidly across the Delaware River into New Jersey and has since established breeding populations throughout Burlington, Camden, Mercer, and neighboring counties. In 2026, Burlington County residents are contending with mature, multi-generation infestations that require a more strategic response than the initial response years demanded.
Adult spotted lanternflies are striking and identifiable. They measure approximately 1 inch long with grayish-brown forewings spotted with black. When wings open or the insect is disturbed, vivid red underwings with black spots become visible. Adults appear from late July through December, with populations peaking August through October. Nymphs, present from May through July, are black with white spots in early instars and develop red patches in later instars before becoming adults.
Egg masses are the most commonly overlooked life stage. They appear on tree trunks, fence rails, outdoor furniture, vehicles, and smooth-surfaced objects as gray, mud-like patches approximately 1 inch by 1.5 inches. Each egg mass contains 30 to 50 eggs. Fresh egg masses have a waxy, shiny appearance; older masses look cracked and grayish. Burlington County residents should check these surfaces in fall and early spring when eggs are easiest to identify.
Spotted lanternflies feed on more than 70 plant species, though they show strong preference for tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), grapevines, hops, apples, and stone fruit trees. In residential settings throughout Burlington County, feeding on ornamental trees, fruit trees, and landscape plants causes:
Burlington County remains under New Jersey's spotted lanternfly quarantine order, which requires that vehicles, outdoor equipment, plants, firewood, and other items that could harbor spotted lanternflies or egg masses be inspected before movement out of the quarantine zone. Businesses transporting these items must obtain a NJ Department of Agriculture permit and train employees in spotted lanternfly identification.
Residents transporting firewood, nursery plants, or outdoor items across county or state lines should inspect all surfaces for egg masses before loading. Check vehicles parked outdoors for egg masses on bumpers, in wheel wells, and on trailer hitches. This is not a formality — early detection in new areas depends on residents and businesses following quarantine protocols.
Effective spotted lanternfly management on residential and commercial properties in Burlington County follows a seasonal approach aligned with the insect's life cycle.
Before eggs hatch, homeowners can reduce the starting population on their property by scraping egg masses from surfaces into sealed bags or containers of rubbing alcohol. A flat scraper or credit card works for this purpose. Look for egg masses on tree bark (especially tree of heaven), fence rails, stone walls, and any smooth outdoor surfaces. While manual scraping cannot eliminate a large infestation, it reduces the number of nymphs that emerge on your property.
Contact insecticide applications targeting nymph-stage insects are most effective during May through July before adults emerge. Nymphs are more vulnerable to treatment than adults. Licensed pest control operators apply residual treatments to preferred host trees and high-density aggregation zones, typically tree of heaven, mature oaks, and ornamental trees in the landscape.
Adult populations peak in August and September in Burlington County. This is the period when honeydew production is greatest and populations are most visible. Professional barrier and surface treatments applied to high-value trees and landscape areas help protect them through the feeding season. Removing or treating tree of heaven on and adjacent to the property reduces attractant vegetation and indirectly reduces sustained adult populations.
Sticky band circle traps placed around tree trunks in May capture nymphs moving up trees. These traps require wildlife guards (small cage around the sticky surface) to prevent capture of birds and beneficial insects. Traps should be monitored weekly and removed or replaced when full.
Tree of heaven is the spotted lanternfly's preferred host for late-season feeding and is widely distributed throughout Burlington County roadsides, vacant lots, and woodlines. Managing tree of heaven on and adjacent to your property is one of the most effective long-term steps for reducing lanternfly pressure.
Tree of heaven removal should be approached carefully. The tree resprouts aggressively from roots when cut. Professional basal bark or cut-stump herbicide treatment prevents resprouting. Removing a large tree of heaven without treating the stump often results in a multi-stemmed resprouting thicket within one season — providing more attractive low-growth feeding material than the original tree.
In 2026, spotted lanternfly populations in Burlington County are established and large enough that reactive, uncoordinated treatment provides limited benefit. Effective management requires correctly timed applications using products labeled for spotted lanternfly, targeted to the right life stages at the right points in the season.
Over-the-counter insecticides applied inconsistently at the wrong life stage waste resources and fail to provide meaningful population reduction. Professional pest control operators with current spotted lanternfly training apply the right products in the right locations at the right time — and can advise on host plant management strategies that reduce long-term infestation pressure on your property.
Contact The Bugs Stop Here at (888) 465-8164 to discuss a spotted lanternfly management program for your Burlington County property.
Spotted lanternflies are not harmful to humans or pets — they do not bite, sting, or transmit disease. Their damage is limited to plants and property. The nuisance impacts are primarily the sticky honeydew they excrete, which coats outdoor surfaces and promotes sooty mold growth, and their presence in large numbers which makes outdoor spaces unpleasant during peak season.
Burlington County sees two effective treatment windows: May through July for nymph control, when young insects are more vulnerable to insecticides before they become adults; and August through October for adult population management during peak feeding season. Egg mass scraping in March through May reduces the starting population. A complete program covering all three phases provides the most comprehensive management.
No — not all pesticides are equally effective or labeled for spotted lanternfly use. Products containing bifenthrin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, carbaryl, or zeta-cypermethrin have demonstrated efficacy against spotted lanternflies in trials. Always read the label before application. For systemic tree treatments, neonicotinoids applied as soil drenches or trunk injections protect individual high-value trees for extended periods. A licensed pest control operator can select appropriate products based on your property conditions.
Burlington County is already within the established New Jersey quarantine zone, so individual sightings within the county do not need to be reported. However, if you spot spotted lanternflies in a county or state that is outside the current quarantine zone — for example, after traveling — report sightings to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture at 1-833-BADBUG0 or through the NJ Division of Plant Industry.
Spotted lanternflies spread primarily by hitchhiking on vehicles and outdoor equipment. Egg masses are laid on smooth surfaces including car bumpers, trailers, and outdoor furniture, and are small enough to go unnoticed. Moving firewood, nursery plants, and outdoor materials from quarantine zones can also introduce the pest to new areas. This is why New Jersey's quarantine order requires inspection of items before they are moved out of affected counties.
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