Is there a recommended way to deal with the Spotted Lantern Fly nymphs on roses? They seem to suck on tender stems. They are appearing now by the dozens.
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Google suggests:
To effectively treat spotted lanternfly (SLF) nymphs on roses without harming the plant, combine manual removal with soaps or horticultural oils. Because nymphs are quick and tend to jump when disturbed, target them early in the morning when they are slower and congregated on new growth. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Use these proven, garden-safe methods to protect your rose bushes:
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Soapy Water Knock-down: Mix equal parts water and liquid dish soap (like Dawn) in a spray bottle. Hold a container of soapy water beneath the nymphs, then mist them with the spray. They will drop and drown immediately. [1, 2, 3, 4]
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Rubbing Alcohol: You can fill a spray bottle with 70% isopropyl alcohol to spray them on contact. It acts as a fast-acting organic contact killer that will not harm the plant. [1, 2, 3]
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Horticultural or Neem Oil: For heavier infestations, apply cold-pressed neem oil or an insecticidal soap. Thoroughly coat the nymphs, but apply in the early morning or evening to avoid burning the rose foliage in direct sunlight. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
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Vacuuming: If you have a severe swarm on the tender buds, using a handheld shop vacuum is a highly effective way to remove them without damaging the delicate stems. [, 2]
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Sticky Traps: You can wrap sticky tape around the base of the rose canes, but always use a protective wire screen shroud over the tape to ensure beneficial insects, birds, and small animals do not get stuck.
Lambda-cyhalothrin now has a label for spotted lantern fly. Don’t spray any open flowers for it can be toxic to bees in direct contact with this chemical. Also contact your state local extension service office and see what they recommend.
SLF has been a terrible pest in my garden this year. I have used neem as previously suggested, which doesn’t seem to immediately kill the nymphs but it does make them slower, which makes them easier to squash. I have also left a couple baby trees of heaven that have popped up around my garden to grow as “trap plants”—eventually I will need to cut these down, but for now I’ve been cutting them branch by branch (each one absolutely swarmed with nymphs) and then stomping all the flies on the branches, which is both effective and cathartic.
If I can piggyback on this question, what does the damage from SLF look like? I have wilty branch tips and a few aborted buds, to the point that I am worried I might have midge. Would SLF damage look similar, since it feeds on the tender new growth? Should I just treat, since presumably imidacloprid (ugh) would also have a beneficial effect on SLF?
The nymphs are a sucking insect, so expect the same type of damage from any sucking insect such as aphid. Weakened stems for sure.
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Look up your state extension office publications. They will help you determine the best control and information on plant damage.
Since I posted this, I have learned that cutting ToH can actually increase its spreading. So, while this method might help kill some flies, it assists the ToH. No more fly stomping for me 