Spotted lanternflies have rapidly become one of the most destructive invasive pests in the United States, wreaking havoc across multiple industries. Originally from Asia, these pests have spread quickly, targeting plants, trees, and crops while causing millions of dollars in damages. Their ability to reproduce rapidly and feed on a wide range of plants makes them a significant threat to agriculture, forestry, landscaping, and even transportation sectors.

Here are five industries most affected by spotted lanternflies and how they are fighting back against this growing menace.

1. Agriculture and Vineyards

One of the hardest-hit industries is agriculture, particularly vineyards, orchards, and crop farms. Spotted lanternflies feed on the sap of plants, weakening them and making them more vulnerable to disease and environmental stress. Some of the most impacted crops include:

• Grapevines – Vineyards are among the most vulnerable, as lanternflies love to feed on grapevines, leading to decreased yields and damaged fruit. Some wineries have reported devastating losses due to infestation.
• Apples and peaches – Fruit trees are also at risk, as lanternflies suck nutrients from their leaves and branches, stunting growth and reducing fruit production.
• Hops and soybeans – Agricultural fields, particularly soybean farms and hop-growing regions, have reported declining plant health due to these pests.

The economic impact on agriculture is significant, with some farmers facing financial strain due to reduced crop yields and increased costs for pest management. Many have turned to spotted lanternfly control strategies, including tree banding, pesticide treatments, and biological controls, to minimize damage.

2. Forestry and Timber Industry

The forestry and timber industries are also suffering from the rapid spread of spotted lanternflies. These insects weaken trees by feeding on sap, making them more susceptible to disease, weather damage, and other pests. Some of the most affected trees include:

• Maple trees – Commonly targeted by lanternflies, maple trees play a crucial role in the timber and syrup industries.
• Black walnut trees – The nut industry has suffered due to damage caused by lanternflies draining the sap from walnut trees.
• Oak and willow trees – These hardwood trees, which are valuable for timber production, have also shown signs of damage.

Weakened trees are more likely to die prematurely, reducing the availability of quality lumber and increasing the risk of forest degradation. Experts are studying natural predators, such as parasitic wasps and fungi, to combat lanternfly infestations while minimizing harm to the ecosystem.

3. Landscaping and Nurseries

The landscaping and nursery industries have also been significantly impacted by spotted lanternflies. Homeowners and commercial landscapers are struggling to protect trees, shrubs, and ornamental plants from these pests, as they can quickly infest gardens and green spaces. Some challenges faced by this industry include:

• Increased plant mortality, leading to financial losses for nurseries and garden centers.
• A decrease in demand for certain trees, such as the Tree of Heaven, which is a favorite host for lanternflies.
• Added costs for pest control treatments, including sticky bands, insecticides, and removal services.

Because spotted lanternflies also secrete a sticky honeydew substance, they contribute to mold growth on plants and outdoor surfaces, further diminishing the appeal of landscaped areas. The nursery industry is now focused on stricter regulations to prevent the spread of eggs through transported plants.

4. Transportation and Shipping

While it might not be the first industry that comes to mind, transportation and shipping have been heavily impacted by the spread of spotted lanternflies. These pests are notorious for laying eggs on vehicles, trucks, and shipping containers, which helps them spread across state lines and even internationally. Key concerns in this industry include:

• Freight and trucking companies – Trucks unknowingly transport spotted lanternfly eggs, accelerating their spread into new regions.
• Railroads and shipping ports – Trains, cargo ships, and ports have become hotspots for infestations as lanternflies hitch rides on various surfaces.
• Increased inspections and regulations – Businesses involved in interstate transport must comply with strict regulations to ensure they are not spreading spotted lanternflies through their shipments.

States with severe infestations, such as Pennsylvania and New Jersey, have introduced quarantine zones requiring vehicles and shipments to be inspected for lanternfly eggs before leaving affected areas. These new regulations have added costs and delays for businesses in the transportation sector.

5. Tourism and Outdoor Recreation

Spotted lanternflies are also having a surprising effect on the tourism and outdoor recreation industries. Their presence in parks, hiking trails, and vineyards has made some outdoor destinations less appealing for visitors. The biggest concerns for this industry include:

• Decline in winery tourism – Wineries that rely on visitors for wine tastings and vineyard tours have suffered due to damaged crops and unsightly infestations.
• Damage to parks and public spaces – Infested trees and honeydew-covered picnic areas make public parks and gardens less enjoyable.
• Impact on outdoor events – Farmers’ markets, outdoor weddings, and nature tours in affected regions have reported disruptions due to lanternfly swarms.

Some regions have launched public awareness campaigns encouraging visitors to check their vehicles for lanternfly eggs and report sightings to local authorities. While tourism isn’t directly related to agricultural loss, the decline in visitors still affects local economies.

Spotted lanternflies are more than just a nuisance—they are a serious threat to multiple industries. Agriculture, forestry, landscaping, transportation, and tourism have all suffered as these invasive pests continue to spread. While efforts to combat lanternflies are ongoing, businesses in these industries must remain vigilant and proactive in their approach to pest management.

For those in high-risk areas of lanternflies (Long Island, NY and the surrounding region), hiring pest control services can help prevent large-scale damage and financial loss. Whether through natural predators, tree banding, or quarantine protocols, addressing this issue early is key to protecting valuable resources and industries from further harm.