Image Credit : alleghenyfront.org

A Tree They Love: Meet the Tree-of-heaven

Despite its lofty name, the Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is anything but heavenly. This aggressive, fast-growing invasive species is the spotted lanternfly’s preferred host, offering a prime location for feeding, breeding, and laying eggs. The more Trees-of-heaven on your property or in your neighborhood, the more attractive the area becomes to lanternflies, increasing the likelihood of infestation.

To make matters worse, this tree doesn’t just attract pests, it causes problems of its own. Its vigorous root system spreads rapidly through underground suckers, allowing it to regenerate even after being cut down. These roots can extend far from the base and are known to push up through sidewalks, damage pavement, and exploit existing cracks in home foundations, retaining walls, or sewer lines. Left unmanaged, it can compromise infrastructure and become incredibly difficult to fully remove.

The good news? Now is the most effective time of year to take action. Mid- to late summer (July through the onset of fall color) is when the tree is sending energy and carbohydrates down into its root system making this the optimal window to apply a systemic herbicide. Treatments outside this window only harm the visible growth above ground, allowing the roots to continue spreading. Once treated, it’s critical to monitor the site and remove any regrowth to prevent re-infestation.

How to identify a Tree-of-heaven:

• Long, compound leaves made up of 10 to 40 leaflets

• Smooth edges with a pair of small lobes (or “glands”) at the base of each leaflet

• Leaves and stems emit a foul odor when crushed, often described as rancid peanut butter

• Grayish bark with a cantaloupe-like texture in young trees

• Tends to pop up in disturbed areas like alleys, fence lines, roadsides, and vacant lots

Whether you're battling lanternflies or trying to protect your home from invasive root systems, identifying and treating Tree-of-heaven is one of the most impactful steps you can take. For a deeper dive into identification and removal strategies, we highly recommend checking out Penn State Extension’s guide. It’s an excellent resource for anyone who’s ready to fight back against this pest-and-plant duo.

Why It's Important to Remove Spotted Lanternfly Eggs

Each egg mass laid by a spotted lanternfly can hold up to 30–50 eggs. If left undisturbed, those eggs will hatch in early spring and grow into the invasive adults we all dread. Stopping them before they hatch is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your plants, crops, and outdoor spaces.

How to Spot Spotted Lanternfly Eggs

Spotted lanternfly eggs look like small grayish-brown clumps, kind of like someone smeared mud on a tree or hard surface. As the season goes on, they may start to crack or flake.

Look closely at:

• Tree trunks (especially Tree-of-heaven and fruit trees)

• Outdoor furniture

• Lawn equipment

• Fences, siding, and stone

• Vehicles and trailers

Eggs can show up just about anywhere, so it’s worth taking a slow lap around your yard or driveway now and then.

Best Methods for Removing Lanternfly Eggs

1. Scraping and Disposal: Use a plastic card or putty knife and scrape the eggs into a plastic bag filled with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. Seal it up and toss it in the trash. Scraping them to the ground won’t kill them—they’ll still hatch.

2. DIY Spray: A simple mix of equal parts vinegar and dish soap can help break down egg masses. Keep a bottle handy while you do your egg patrol.

3. Egg Removal Tools: There are specific tools designed for egg scraping that make the job easier, especially for hard-to-reach spots or tree bark.

4. Prevent Reinfestation: After removing egg masses, consider wrapping trees with sticky bands in spring to catch nymphs as they climb. Keep checking for new egg masses throughout the season.

A Refresher: What Are Lanternflies and Where Did They Come From?

Spotted lanternflies (Lycorma delicatula) are invasive insects originally from Asia that have made themselves very comfortable in parts of the eastern U.S., including Pennsylvania. They feed on over 70 types of plants, including grapes, apple trees, maples, and of course, the Tree-of-heaven. They spread quickly and lay their eggs just about anywhere flat and vertical.

They’re most recognizable in their adult stage in late summer, when they flash their bright red wings with black and white spots. But they do most of their sneaky damage earlier in the year as nymphs and even before that, as eggs.

Why Controlling Them Matters

Besides being annoying (and honestly kind of gross when they gather in swarms), spotted lanternflies can cause serious damage to trees and crops. They suck the sap from plants, leaving behind a sticky substance that attracts mold and other pests. That means not only are they weakening your trees and vines, but they’re also inviting stink bugs and yellowjackets to the party.

And yes, Pittsburgh has seen more of them each year, especially in neighborhoods with lots of trees and nearby rail or highway corridors.

DIY Remedies That Actually Work

Sticky Tape or Bands: Wrap tree trunks with sticky bands to trap nymphs and adults as they climb. Just remember to check them often and replace them as needed.

Vacuum or Hose: A shop vac or high-pressure hose can knock them off trees and furniture, especially during their peak activity in summer.

Homemade Sprays: Mix dish soap, water, and a little vegetable oil to spray directly on lanternflies. Another version includes vinegar and hand sanitizer, which is especially effective on adults.

Chemical Control (If You Must): For large infestations, insecticides may be needed. These are absorbed into plants and ingested when lanternflies feed. Just be careful to follow directions and avoid harming helpful insects.

Keep an Eye Out Year-Round: Even if you haven’t seen them yet in your backyard, staying alert and proactive helps. Check your car, firewood, and anything you leave outside for long periods before transporting it to another area.

If you’re in a quarantine zone, follow the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s guidelines on what can and can’t be moved. You can find quarantine maps here.

Nature Is on Our Side

It’s not just on us. Birds like starlings and woodpeckers, spiders, and certain predatory insects have been known to eat lanternflies. Creating a healthy, biodiverse environment can support these natural helpers and reduce the number of pests you see in the long run.

Share the Info

We can’t fight this invasive species alone. Spread the word, literally. Share this blog with friends, neighbors, and coworkers so everyone knows what to look for and what to do. The more egg masses we eliminate now, the fewer lanternflies we’ll be swatting next summer.

Local Help

Need backup? We recommend reaching out to Dream Greener with Jon Stanton for professional lanternfly help in the Pittsburgh area.