Homemade Spotted Lanternfly Spray

Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive pest of economic significance. This insect can cause millions of dollars in damage to fruit and hardwood trees as well as ornamental plants.

1 gallon of water

To make the spray, combine:

• 1 gallon of water
• 1 tbsp dish soap (dishwashing liquid is fine)
• 2 cups of rubbing alcohol

2 cups of rubbing alcohol

2 cups of rubbing alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is an effective insecticide that can be used to kill spotted lanternfly nymphs and adults. Rubbing alcohol is also known as isopropyl alcohol, which can be purchased at most drugstores or grocery stores. This type of alcohol works well in killing many insects because it evaporates quickly on the surface of leaves and plants, leaving no residue behind. However, you should never spray your plants directly with rubbing alcohol—it could burn the leaves!

1 tbsp dish soap

• 1 tbsp dish soap

Please note that this is not the same as using a household cleaning spray. You want to use a dish soap that is not antibacterial, but just plain old dish washing liquid. This will help kill any bugs you come in contact with so they don’t spread!

Spray bottle

• A plastic spray bottle. You can buy one at a hardware store or craft store, or you can use old, clean bottles that already have other uses in your home. Make sure the bottle is not cracked and does not leak when filled with water.
• Water: 2 tablespoons for each 1 liter of spray bottle (8 oz)
• Soap: ½ tablespoon for each 1 liter of spray bottle (8 oz)

This spray may help keep spotted lanternfly away from your home, garden, or crops.

To help keep spotted lanternfly away from your home, garden, or crops:

• Spray plants and trees in your yard or garden with water to which you have added two drops of liquid dish soap per quart of water (1 tsp/quart). Mix well.
• Apply the spray every 10 days until harvest time. The insecticide will kill any eggs on the plant as well as adult insects that come into contact with it. The active ingredient in this spray is pyrethrin, which is an organic insecticide derived from chrysanthemums that can be harmful if ingested by humans or animals but does not persist long after application so there are no residues left on treated vegetation.

You can use this spray to help keep spotted lanternfly away from your home, garden, or crops. It’s easy to make and costs less than buying a commercial product.