Spotted Lanternflies Invade Virginia’s Vineyards: Protecting Grapevines in 2025
Spotted Lanternflies Invade Virginia’s Vineyards in 2025: How to Protect Grapevines
What’s Happening?
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In 2025, Virginia’s vineyards—from Charlottesville to the Shenandoah Valley—are experiencing heavy infestations of spotted lanternflies (SLF). These sap-sucking pests cause honeydew and sooty mold, weakening plants and reducing yield.
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Why Wine Grapes Are at Risk
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SLFs host on over 100 plant species, but grapevines are especially vulnerable. Their feeding and honeydew secretion destroy fruit quality and vine health.
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✅ How to Protect Your Vineyard
Step 1: Find and Destroy Egg Masses
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Inspect smooth surfaces (trees, rocks, equipment, vehicles, fences). Scrape egg masses into alcohol or hand sanitizer before April 2025 hatching begins.
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Step 2: Install Vertical Sticky Traps
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Use FOBA Traps’ multi‑layer adhesive rings on nearby host trees or arbor posts—even close to vineyards—to intercept nymphs before they reach your vines. Do not wrap traps directly around grapevines.
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Step 3: Remove Host Trees (Tree of Heaven)
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Ailanthus altissima (Tree of Heaven) is a primary SLF host. Removing these or treating them with Triclopyr herbicide helps reduce local populations.
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🧠 Need-to-Know Q&A
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| When do SLF hatch and emerge? | Nymphs hatch in spring (April–June); adults appear mid-summer (July–September).virginiavineyardsassociation.org+15FOBA Traps+15Wikipedia+15 |
| How many eggs in an egg mass? | Each mass contains 30–50 eggs. Removing one mass prevents dozens of pests.People.comWikipedia |
| Are SLFs harmful to humans? | No—they don't bite or sting—but they threaten grapevines and promote mold growth that damages honey production.WikipediaThe Washington Post |
⚠️ Take Action Now
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Experts urge Virginians to act early by removing egg masses before April—and never let a lanternfly live, especially near crops.
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Collaborative efforts—like training dogs to detect egg masses and educating the public—are scaling up in 2025.