Despite their name, spotted lanternflies aren’t strong fliers. Their wings can carry them short distances, but they typically cover longer treks as hitchhikers on cars. One of the best ways that you can prevent the spread of lanternflies to your yard is to thoroughly check and clean your vehicle. Many areas in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and are home to severe infestations, so if you’re driving through an affected county, a professional carwash can go a long way toward keeping them out of your yard.
Additionally, be sure to inspect and clean any yard fixtures or tools that have traveled from an area of high lanternfly concentration. Click here to see a map of heavily affected counties from the Midatlantic and New England and assess your personal risk factor based on your travel history.