Spotted Lanternflies Threaten Vineyards in Virginia and Pennsylvania: Are FOBA Traps Safe for Grapevines?

As Spotted Lanternflies continue to spread across the East Coast, vineyard owners in Virginia and Pennsylvania are facing a growing threat to their grapevines. These invasive pests swarm vines, feed on sap, and excrete sugary honeydew that fosters mold, weakens plants, and reduces grape quality. Naturally, growers are turning to physical traps like FOBA—but can they be used safely near grapevines?

🐛 The Rising Threat to Grapevines

Spotted Lanternflies (Lycorma delicatula) have become a serious agricultural pest in states like Pennsylvania—ground zero for the U.S. invasion—and Virginia, where infestations have expanded rapidly into vineyard regions.

These pests:

• Feed aggressively on grapevines

• Excrete honeydew that encourages mold and rot

• Weaken vine health and reduce sugar content

• Have no native predators and reproduce quickly

Wineries across Lancaster, PA and Loudoun County, VA are now deploying all tools available to defend their crops.

🛡️ What Are FOBA Traps?

FOBA traps are circular adhesive traps designed to be wrapped around tree trunks or vertical supports. What sets them apart is their protective barrier that shields birds, squirrels, and pets from contact with the sticky surface—making them one of the most humane and targeted solutions available.

FOBA traps:

• Contain no insecticides or chemicals

• Are non-systemic and do not impact surrounding soil

• Are removable and ideal for monitoring adult lanternflies

• Are designed to reduce vertebrate bycatch

🍇 Can FOBA Traps Be Used on Grapevines?

No. FOBA traps should not be placed directly on grapevines.
However, they can and should be deployed on nearby trees or vineyard infrastructure, such as:

• Trellis posts

• Perimeter fencing

• Surrounding trees like Ailanthus (Tree-of-Heaven), maple, or walnut

By targeting the insects' natural climbing behavior, FOBA traps can act as a first line of defense around your vineyard—without touching or interfering with your vines.

⚠️ What About Pollinators and Other Good Bugs?

While traditional sticky traps have a reputation for catching non-target insects, FOBA traps include a physical guard to minimize that risk.

✅ FOBA's features that help protect beneficial insects:

• Built-in shield prevents vertebrate bycatch

• Vertical placement and optional mesh covers reduce pollinator exposure

• Strategic placement away from flowering vegetation avoids unnecessary impact

Still, vineyard owners should:

• Avoid placing traps near blooming plants

• Check traps regularly to monitor for unintended capture

• Use mesh screening if concerned about insect bycatch

📍 Where and When to Use FOBA Traps in Vineyards

FOBA traps are most effective when deployed strategically around the vineyard, not within it.

Recommended Placement:

• Surrounding trees

• Fence lines and trellis posts

• Vineyard perimeter paths

Timing:

• Late spring through early fall (May–October)

• Especially effective during nymph and adult stages

🧠 Use FOBA as Part of a Broader Strategy

FOBA traps are a valuable monitoring and perimeter-control tool, but they work best alongside a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy:

• Scrape egg masses in late fall and winter

• Conduct regular canopy inspections

• Use approved insecticides if infestations escalate

• Deploy barrier netting or row covers in late summer if needed

✅ Final Word: FOBA Traps Are Safe Near Grape Vines—But Not On Them

If you’re managing a vineyard in Virginia or Pennsylvania, FOBA traps offer a safe, non-toxic way to help intercept spotted lanternflies—as long as they are not placed directly on vines. Use them on trellis posts, support structures, and surrounding trees to help keep the pressure off your grapes and give your IPM plan a strong foundation.