The Time Has Come to Kill Spotted Lanternflies in Connecticut

Even though the State of Connecticut's Quarantine Order expired as of 12-31-24, you should keep an eye out for Invasive Species Public Enemy #1 for Connecticut's tree population, the Spotted Lanternfly.

As of May 2025, the invasive Spotted Lanternfly has been found throughout the state in Hartford, Fairfield, New Haven, Litchfield, Middlesex, and New London Counties. Middlesex, Tolland, and Windham? So far, nothing official on ct.gov, but I'm sure it needs to be updated. The first confirmed Spotted lanternfly in the US happened back in 2014 in Pennsylvania, and the first confirmed Connecticut sighting happened in Southbury during October of 2019. Five+ years of alerts and quarantine orders have passed since, but this bug is still a problem.

Take a good look at the photos above and below. This is what you're watching for -

arlutz73

An adult spotted lanternfly measures an inch to an inch-and-a-half long, with large brown wings with black spots, but their hind legs and abdomen are brightly colored red, yellow, black, and white. Much easier to spot in the wild if the wings are at rest.

WHY SHOULD YOU KILL A SPOTTED LANTERNFLY?

They are native to China, Vietnam, and India, and they feed on tree sap. Over half of Connecticut's forest trees are on their menu, as well as most of our fruit trees. Most of us in Connecticut have seen the warnings over the past few years, so major tree damage has seemingly been avoided, but the potential exists if this invader is not dealt with. How should you kill a spotted lanternfly? Any way that you can, within reason, seriously. You should also report your sighting and successful hunt to ReportSLF@ct.gov.

The Three Worst Parking Lots For The Nervous Drivers of Southbury

Do you ever dread going someplace because of it's parking lot? That's why I avoid any Trader Joe's in Connecticut. There are three parking lots along Main Street in Southbury where I can't let my guard down as I drive in.