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New Jersey's SLF Surge: Why Calls to Viking Pest Have Doubled in 2025—and What You Can Do

New Jersey residents are once again at the forefront of the spotted lanternfly (SLF) invasion, and according to Viking Pest Control, calls related to SLF sightings have doubled in 2025 compared to the same period last year 

 With every county in NJ now under quarantine, this alarming trend signals a critical need for action.

At FOBA, we’re here to help New Jersey homeowners, businesses, and landscapers respond quickly and effectively.

📈 Why NJ Calls Have Doubled

According to Viking’s press release, the surge in calls isn't just from adult SLFs—it’s primarily nymph reports. These early nymph stages are often missed but are actively feeding and multiplying  Preventing them from maturing into adults is crucial to stopping exponential growth.

🌱 Why Early Action Matters in New Jersey

  1. Intervene Early—Don't Wait for Adults
    Nymphs may be small and nondescript (black with white spots at first, then red-black), but they feed on tender plant shoots—weakening perennials, ornamentals, and young trees in gardens and farms 

  2. Target Egg Masses in Off-Season
    SLF eggs survive our mild winters. Scrape them off surfaces—like trees, patio furniture, and firewood—and destroy them by soaking in rubbing alcohol.

  3. Trapping—Now & All Season
    Use bird-safe, weather-resistant traps from Trap Spotted Lanternflies. Place them on Dutch elm disease host trees, maple, grapevines, or near frequent sightings. Traps are especially effective when deployed from April through October.

🛠️ Expert Control: What Viking Recommends

Viking Pest offers NJ residents both ad-hoc and recurring SLF control services 

  • Knockdown treatments sprayed on trees and structures monthly.

  • Basal trunk treatments around July–September to disrupt feeding.

  • Egg mass removal from May–October.

They stress that only trained technicians should apply systemic or bark treatments to ensure environmental safety 

🏡 NJ Homeowner Action Plan

  1. Identify SLF – Look for tiny nymphs in spring, adults in summer, and egg masses in fall/winter.

  2. Report Sightings – Inform the NJ Department of Agriculture or local Viking office.

  3. Trap Nymphs & Adults – Install a weather-proof, bird-safe trap early in spring.

  4. Remove Egg Masses – Scrape and soak them in alcohol to eliminate next year’s generation.

  5. Consider Professional Help – For high infestations, Viking’s integrated services are a great option.

🧩 How Our Trap Complements Viking Services

While Viking offers powerful chemical tools for larger-scale infestations, pairing that with Trap Spotted Lanternflies’ traps gives NJ residents a full-circle defense:

  • Dual deployment—DIY traps plus periodic professional service.

  • Targeted coverage—home, garden, and community space protection.

  • Eco-conscious approach—bird-safe, non-toxic, and effective at all SLF life stages.

🛡️ Conclusion: New Jersey Cannot Wait

With NJ in full SLF quarantine and call volumes doubling, time is of the essence. By combining vigilant egg scraping, early nymph trapping, and professional intervention, New Jersey homeowners can stop the spread before the real damage begins.

🔗 Act now. Visit Trap Spotted Lanternflies to get your NJ-ready traps and stay ahead of this invasive threat.

 

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