Spotted lanternfly (SLF) is mainly a nuisance. They can’t bite humans. As nymphs and adults drink sap from plants, the plants can be damaged. While feeding, SLF excretes honeydew. This sticky substance can grow black sooty mold. The mold can block sun from plants. In infested areas, honeydew falling on the ground can be very slippery. Honeydew can also attract bees and wasps. Also, other counties may reject agricultural products if they think they have SLFs.
Gerda Magana, CAES
Emelie Swackhamer, Penn State University.
Bugwood.org
Lawrence Barringer, PDA, Bugwood.org
Kenneth R. Law, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org