If you have spent any time in your backyard lately, you have likely noticed a familiar and unwelcome guest. The spotted lanternfly first arrived in Pennsylvania years ago.
Many thought they would go away, but the problem remains very real for local homeowners. In neighborhoods across Allentown, from the West End to the historic districts, these pests are still a major headache.
They gather on patio furniture and swarm around back porches. They threaten the health of the trees we love.
For those who are tired of seeing their outdoor spaces overrun, seeking professional help from Allentown pest control nearby is often the most effective way to protect your property and reclaim your peace of mind.
Why Allentown Trees are Still at Risk
Lots of folks in the Lehigh Valley were wishing the spotted lanternflies would just disappear by now.
Sadly, they are still here and going strong. These bugs are incredibly tough. They have settled right into our local area and made themselves comfortable.
Their absolute favorite place to hang out is the Tree of Heaven. You can see these trees popping up everywhere in city alleys and empty lots.
The problem is that these pests are not fussy about what they eat. They will easily hop from a wild plant right onto the maple or fruit trees in your yard.
When they eat, they drain the sap directly from the limbs. This slowly drains the tree’s energy. It leaves your yard plants much more likely to get sick or die during a freezing winter.
The Sticky Mess in Your Backyard
A major frustration for people living in Allentown is the gross mess these bugs create. While lanternflies feast, they poop out a sticky liquid known as “honeydew.” Have you ever felt a tacky, glue-like coating on your vehicle or your backyard deck?
If you have, you probably have a lanternfly problem nearby. This sticky stuff is more than just a nuisance to clean up. It acts like a magnet, pulling ants and stinging wasps right toward your patio. To make matters worse, that honeydew often turns into a gross black mold.
This dark mold can cover the leaves of your garden flowers. It can even leave permanent stains on your nice stone walkways or the side of your house. Trying to keep your yard looking tidy becomes a never-ending battle while these insects are around.
Identifying the Threat Throughout the Seasons
To keep your Allentown yard safe, you should learn what to spot as the seasons change. During the winter and early spring, these bugs are just piles of eggs. They look like little smears of dried gray mud stuck to surfaces.
You can find these clusters on tree bark, big rocks, or even on your siding. Scraping them into a bag and tossing them can stop many bugs from hatching later. By the end of spring, the babies come out. They are tiny and black with little white dots.
As they grow, they turn a bright red color. Once August arrives, they become full-grown adults with big wings. Staying alert and taking action during every part of the year is the only way to stop these pests from taking over your whole neighborhood.
Why Professional Help Still Matters
Professional companies can create a shield around your house to keep pests away. These pros know exactly which trees are in the most danger. They also make sure the treatments are safe for your kids and your pets to be around.
Handling the issue early in the year saves you from a giant, sticky mess once autumn arrives. It keeps your plants healthy and ensures your patio stays clean.
If you can not get these bugs to leave your garden alone, Presto Pest Control has expert plans made just for the Lehigh Valley. Their crew knows the specific problems Allentown neighbors deal with and uses proven ways to kill off lanternflies.
They work hard to save your trees and make sure your backyard stays a fun, relaxing place for your family to hang out.
