Coming to Maine

Spotted lanternfly: protecting Maine trees before it arrives

Spotted lanternfly is spreading through Massachusetts and has reached New Hampshire. Here is what it does to trees, how to get ready, and how trees are protected where it is established.

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Healthy tree canopy against a blue sky
In MaineNot established
Massachusetts~150 communities
New HampshireFirst found Aug 2026
Preferred hostTree-of-heaven

Spotted lanternfly is a sap-feeding planthopper from Asia. It is still not known to be established in Maine, but adults are reported from time to time, most likely hitchhiking on vehicles from infested states.[1] In 2020, egg masses were found on nursery trees from Pennsylvania that had been planted in Boothbay, Freeport, Northeast Harbor and Yarmouth.[2]

How close is it?

Spotted lanternfly has been found in almost 150 Massachusetts communities, about triple the number a year earlier. New Hampshire confirmed its first field detection in Salem on August 25, and every county in Connecticut has it.[3]

What spotted lanternfly does to trees

Spotted lanternfly feeds on many kinds of plants, but its preferred hosts are tree-of-heaven, grape and black walnut.[4] Massachusetts has not seen significant reports of tree death or long-term damage, though damage can take years to appear.[3] The biggest risks are to grapevines, which can be killed by as little as one season of feeding, and to young black walnut and tree-of-heaven saplings.[4]

SaplingsYoung treesDamage to black walnut and tree-of-heaven is severe mainly when they are small saplings.[4]
HoneydewSticky messFeeding produces honeydew that is hard to wash off and attracts stinging insects.[4]
Sooty moldBlack coatingHoneydew grows sooty mold, which can stunt the plants underneath.[4]

Get ready now: tree-of-heaven

Tree-of-heaven is one of spotted lanternfly’s preferred hosts. The Maine Forest Service says managing tree-of-heaven in Maine may be an important strategy for reducing the chance that spotted lanternfly becomes established here,[5] and the state is asking residents to report tree-of-heaven locations.[1] Removing it takes more than cutting: an herbicide is needed to kill the root system.[4] Tree-of-heaven is one of the invasive plants Tree Medics manages.

How trees are protected where spotted lanternfly is established

If spotted lanternfly reaches Maine, these are the tools Massachusetts recommends for infested areas:[4]

Fall to springDestroy egg massesScrape egg masses off trees and any other flat surface and crush them, or drop them in alcohol or soapy water for at least 24 hours.
Spring and summerCircle trapsTraps on the trunk catch nymphs as they climb. Sticky bands need a mesh guard so birds, bats and other animals don’t get stuck.
July to SeptemberSystemic treatmentDinotefuran and imidacloprid can be applied when plants are actively growing and done flowering. These products must be applied by a licensed pesticide applicator.
Late winterHorticultural oilOil applied to egg masses in late winter or very early spring gives some control where scraping is too difficult.
Chemicals only for heavy infestations.

Massachusetts recommends that residents use chemical treatments only in areas with heavy infestations, when no other technique would work.[4]

If you see one in Maine

  • Take a photo and note the location
  • Email the photo and location to the Maine Horticulture Program at horticulture@maine.gov
  • Check vehicles, outdoor gear and nursery stock coming from infested states
  • Report tree-of-heaven locations to the same address

Reporting instructions come from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.[1] See the full watch list of tree pests headed for Maine.

Sources

  1. Maine DACF Horticulture Program: MELeaf newsletter, June 2026
  2. UMaine Cooperative Extension: Invasive spotted lanternfly egg masses found in Maine (2020)
  3. Boston Globe: Spotted lanternfly infestations in Massachusetts (September 2026)
  4. Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources: Spotted lanternfly management guide for infested areas (updated August 2025)
  5. Maine Forest Service: Forest & shade tree conditions, August 2026
FAQ

Spotted lanternfly: common questions

Is spotted lanternfly in Maine?

Not established. Maine says spotted lanternfly is still not known to be established here, though adults are occasionally reported, most likely hitchhiking on vehicles from infested states.

How close is spotted lanternfly to Maine?

It has been found in almost 150 Massachusetts communities, and New Hampshire confirmed its first field detection in Salem on August 25.

Does spotted lanternfly kill trees?

Massachusetts has not seen significant reports of tree death. Grapevines and young black walnut and tree-of-heaven saplings are most at risk, and honeydew and sooty mold are a nuisance.

What trees does spotted lanternfly prefer?

Tree-of-heaven, grape and black walnut.

How are trees protected from spotted lanternfly?

In infested areas: destroying egg masses, circle traps, and, for heavy infestations, systemic dinotefuran or imidacloprid applied by a licensed applicator, typically July through September.

Should I remove tree-of-heaven?

Maine says managing tree-of-heaven may be important for reducing the chance spotted lanternfly becomes established. Removal requires an herbicide to kill the roots.

Where do I report spotted lanternfly in Maine?

Email a photo and location to horticulture@maine.gov.

Worried about a tree?

Many tree health problems can be managed when they are caught early. Reach out today for a professional evaluation.

(207) 303-7291 SaveMyTrees@TreeMedics.com

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