Fall Insect Pests to Watch For
As temperatures cool, several insect pests become more noticeable or begin preparing for the winter months. Awareness and prevention are key to limiting their spread and damage. Three pests of particular concern during fall are the spongy moth, the spotted lanternfly, and the imported fire ant.
Spongy Moth
The spongy moth, formerly known as the gypsy moth, is a long-established invasive species in the northeastern United States. The female moth lays egg masses on nearly any surface—trees, outdoor furniture, vehicles, firewood, and even playground equipment. Each egg mass can hold up to a thousand eggs, and they appear as tan, fuzzy patches about an inch and a half long.
The caterpillars that hatch in spring feed on the leaves of many tree species. Repeated defoliation can weaken and eventually kill trees. Because the spongy moth spreads easily by “hitchhiking” on moved objects, the USDA regulates the transport of materials from quarantined areas. Residents in those zones should inspect items before travel and obtain a movement certificate when required. The USDA provides an online checklist to help ensure compliance. If the pest is found in a new area, state plant regulatory officials should be notified immediately.
Spotted Lanternfly
The spotted lanternfly, first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014, has expanded rapidly into several eastern and southern states. Unlike moths, it is a type of leafhopper that feeds on plant sap. Adults lay egg masses on smooth surfaces such as vehicles, outdoor furniture, and trees, which allows them to spread easily. After the first frost, the adults die, but the eggs survive the winter.
The insect often uses the tree of heaven—an invasive tree introduced for erosion control—as a preferred host. This connection has aided the pest’s movement along transportation routes such as railways. Spotted lanternflies damage grapevines, fruit trees, and hardwoods by feeding on their sap, which leads to the development of sticky honeydew and black sooty mold. Homeowners with tree of heaven on their property should consider its removal using proper chemical treatments to prevent regrowth. Egg masses can be scraped off surfaces and destroyed by immersing them in alcohol.
Imported Fire Ant
The imported fire ant was introduced through Mobile, Alabama, and has spread across most of the southeastern United States. These ants prefer warm, sunny areas such as fields and pastures, where they build large soil mounds that can reach several feet in height. The ants can damage equipment, girdle young trees, and pose risks to both people and animals through their stings, which cause burning and blistering.
Fire ants may also infest nursery stock and potted plants, so caution is advised when moving plant material from infested regions. Control methods vary depending on location and site conditions, so contacting a local Extension agent is recommended for guidance on the most effective and safe treatments.
By staying alert for these pests and following recommended prevention steps, people can help reduce their spread and protect trees, crops, and landscapes from damage.
Related Videos:
Holly Scale and Sooty Mold
Treating Crape Myrtle Bark Scale
Fire Ant Control
Related Resources:
Spongy Moth Management for Homeowners
Spotted Lanternfly in Home Gardens
Imported Fire Ants
Spongy Moth
The spongy moth, formerly known as the gypsy moth, is a long-established invasive species in the northeastern United States. The female moth lays egg masses on nearly any surface—trees, outdoor furniture, vehicles, firewood, and even playground equipment. Each egg mass can hold up to a thousand eggs, and they appear as tan, fuzzy patches about an inch and a half long.
The caterpillars that hatch in spring feed on the leaves of many tree species. Repeated defoliation can weaken and eventually kill trees. Because the spongy moth spreads easily by “hitchhiking” on moved objects, the USDA regulates the transport of materials from quarantined areas. Residents in those zones should inspect items before travel and obtain a movement certificate when required. The USDA provides an online checklist to help ensure compliance. If the pest is found in a new area, state plant regulatory officials should be notified immediately.
Spotted Lanternfly
The spotted lanternfly, first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014, has expanded rapidly into several eastern and southern states. Unlike moths, it is a type of leafhopper that feeds on plant sap. Adults lay egg masses on smooth surfaces such as vehicles, outdoor furniture, and trees, which allows them to spread easily. After the first frost, the adults die, but the eggs survive the winter.
The insect often uses the tree of heaven—an invasive tree introduced for erosion control—as a preferred host. This connection has aided the pest’s movement along transportation routes such as railways. Spotted lanternflies damage grapevines, fruit trees, and hardwoods by feeding on their sap, which leads to the development of sticky honeydew and black sooty mold. Homeowners with tree of heaven on their property should consider its removal using proper chemical treatments to prevent regrowth. Egg masses can be scraped off surfaces and destroyed by immersing them in alcohol.
Imported Fire Ant
The imported fire ant was introduced through Mobile, Alabama, and has spread across most of the southeastern United States. These ants prefer warm, sunny areas such as fields and pastures, where they build large soil mounds that can reach several feet in height. The ants can damage equipment, girdle young trees, and pose risks to both people and animals through their stings, which cause burning and blistering.
Fire ants may also infest nursery stock and potted plants, so caution is advised when moving plant material from infested regions. Control methods vary depending on location and site conditions, so contacting a local Extension agent is recommended for guidance on the most effective and safe treatments.
By staying alert for these pests and following recommended prevention steps, people can help reduce their spread and protect trees, crops, and landscapes from damage.
Related Videos:
Holly Scale and Sooty Mold
Treating Crape Myrtle Bark Scale
Fire Ant Control
Related Resources:
Spongy Moth Management for Homeowners
Spotted Lanternfly in Home Gardens
Imported Fire Ants