How Much Does Spotted Lanternfly Treatment Cost? [2026 Data]

Normal Range: $200 - $600

Spotted lanternfly treatment costs $300 on average, or between $200 and $600, depending on the number of trees and the type of treatment.

How we get this data
Spotted lanternfly on maple tree
Photo: arlutz73 / iStock / Getty Images
Spotted lanternfly on maple tree
Photo: arlutz73 / iStock / Getty Images
Cost Insights
  • Treating your trees to prevent spotted lanternflies costs between $200 to $600 per treatment

  • Systemic pesticides are the most common treatment and range between $250 and $1,000.

  • Spray pesticides are a more budget-friendly option, averaging $150 to $300, however are only topical treatments.

  • Ongoing preventative treatments range from $40 to $70 per month or $100 to $300 quarterly.

Spotted lanternfly treatment costs $300 on average, with prices ranging from $200 to $600. Despite the pretty polka dots, the spotted lanternfly isn’t enjoyable to have around your home. Luckily, if you’re dealing with these invasive insects, a bug control specialist can help.

The spotted lanternfly's impact goes beyond the sticky "honeydew" they excrete while feeding on tree sap. They can cause severe damage to trees, plants, and the ecosystem, devastating important agricultural regions such as vineyards and apple orchards. If you're feeling overwhelmed by these pests and are considering seeking professional help, this guide can help you plan your budget.

Spotted Lanternfly Treatment Cost Factors

Illustration showing how to identify a spotted lanternfly throughout its life cycle

These are the main factors that can impact the cost of spotted lanternfly treatment.

Type of Treatment

Treatment TypeCost Range
Systemic Pesticides$250–$1,000
Spray Insecticides$150–$300

The most common treatment for spotted lanternflies is systemic pesticides, which typically cost $250 to $1,000 or more. These chemicals are injected and travel internally throughout a tree, poisoning the sap and killing the insects as they feed. Different brands and types of pesticides have varying costs, so your budget is based on which one your bug control specialist uses. 

Another option is spray insecticides, which cost significantly less, ranging from $150 to $300 per treatment. While this option is more budget-friendly, the insecticides are only a topical solution that will kill lanternflies on contact. Systemic pesticides, which continuously poison and kill new lanternflies, are a more effective and permanent solution.

Number of Trees

The number of affected trees on your property can significantly impact your spotted lanternfly treatment cost. Your pest control specialist may charge a flat rate for a certain number of trees, or they may charge per tree. Note the size and number of trees on your property to get accurate price quotes while you’re shopping around.

Number of Treatments

Treating your trees against spotted lanternflies typically costs anywhere from $200 to $600 per treatment. Here’s what your overall cost could look like for multiple treatments.

Number of TreatmentsAverage Total Cost
1$200–$600
2$400–$1,200
3$600–$1,800
4$800–$2,400
5$1,000–$3,000
6$1,200–$3,600
7$1,400–$4,200
8$1,600–$4,800
9$1,800–$5,400
10$2,000–$6,000

Spotted Lanternfly Ongoing Expenses

Spotted lantern bugs on tree branch
Photo: arlutz73 / iStock / Getty Images

Here are a few ongoing expenses to consider with your spotted lanternfly treatment cost.

DIY Prevention

Conducting regular inspections of your trees will cost you nothing but time, so it’s worth adding this preventative step to your routine. Look closely at your trees and scrape off any eggs and kill any bugs you find. Be sure to contact your local insect control specialist if you suspect the spotted lanternflies are taking over again.

Ongoing Treatments

Ongoing preventative visits from a pest control service cost around $40 to $70 per month or $100 to $300 quarterly. Even if you haven’t seen the spotted insects in a while, it’s a good idea to schedule regular inspections from a bug control specialist to keep them from coming back.

Why You Should Hire a Lanternfly Treatment Pro

Hiring a local lanternfly treatment pro costs more upfront, but you benefit from safer application methods, correct product usage, and treatments that effectively target every stage of the insect’s life cycle. Pros bring the proper licenses, equipment, and knowledge needed to control an invasive pest without harming nearby plants, pets, or beneficial insects.

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a lanternfly treatment pro

Treating spotted lanternflies involves identifying host plants, timing treatments correctly, and using regulated products safely. Here are some of the top reasons to work with a pro:

  • Professionals know how to inspect trees and shrubs for egg masses, nymph clusters, and adult feeding damage, ensuring the full infestation is addressed.

  • They are licensed to apply pesticides legally and safely, including systemic treatments and targeted sprays approved for lanternfly control.

  • A pro reduces the risk of harming desirable plants, pollinators, or surrounding landscapes by selecting the right products and application methods.

  • Many providers can bundle services such as egg mass scraping, tree band installation or replacement, and follow-up treatments for long-term suppression.

If you want to DIY parts of the treatment process

If you want to handle some tasks yourself, these DIY steps can help reduce time and labor costs:

  • Scrape and destroy lanternfly egg masses on trees, outdoor furniture, and hard surfaces during the fall and winter months.

  • Remove clutter and debris around your yard to make inspections and treatments easier for your technician.

  • Identify and note the trees or plants where you see the most lanternfly activity so your pro can target the right areas immediately.

Cost of Common Spotted Lanternfly Treatment Add-Ons

If you’re dealing with other unwanted insects or arachnid invaders on your property, many bug control specialists offer discounted rates for bundling multiple treatments. Here are the average costs to consider for these add-on treatments:

Tips to Reduce the Cost of Spotted Lanternfly Treatment

The cost of spotted lanternfly treatment can get steep, especially if you need to treat multiple trees. Here are a few ways to save money and help prevent the spread of spotted lanternflies:

  • Get at least three different quotes from reputable insect control specialists before hiring pest control services.

  • Always check your vehicle and belongings for spotted lanternflies to avoid spreading the invasive insects or bringing them home, especially if you’re near a heavily wooded area.

  • If spotted lanternflies are invading your community, reach out to your local municipality to help control the insects in your area. States like New Jersey and Pennsylvania have government-funded programs to help towns and communities survey and treat spotted lanternfly infestations. 

Next Steps: Finalize Your Project With a Extermination Pro
  • Let your pro know where you’ve seen the most lanternfly activity so they can plan the best treatment spots and tools.

  • Ask what types of treatments they use (chemical, natural, or both) and whether any may affect plants, pets, or outdoor furniture.

  • Discuss whether you need to prep the area first—such as clearing debris, trimming vegetation, or moving items away from walls.

  • Check whether follow-up visits are recommended and what those may cost, so you’re not surprised later.

  • If you have delicate landscaping or outdoor structures, mention them upfront so the technician can adjust their approach.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.

Frequently Asked Questions

According to scientists at Penn State University, spotted lanternflies do not typically kill the trees and plants they feed on, but they can cause branches and segments to die off. However, they have been found to kill cultivated grapes, which can have devastating consequences for vineyard owners and regions that heavily rely on vineyards to create jobs and generate revenue. They have also killed the Ailanthu altissima, known as the tree of heaven, though this is classified as a noxious and invasive weed tree.

Yes, if you see a spotted lanternfly in a municipality where it is not already known to exist, you should report it to your local agricultural department or extension office. Kill the insect immediately by crushing them or stepping on them. If you see any egg masses, scrape them into a sealable plastic baggie or container and cover them with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to kill them.

Not likely. While the occasional spotted lanternfly insect may find its way in, it’s highly unlikely that spotted lanternflies will lay eggs and eventually infest your home because they prefer to live outdoors. If you’re concerned about the bugs getting inside, be sure to examine all humans, objects, and pets before bringing them indoors.

While the spotted lanternfly’s favorite place to stay is the trees and plants they gorge on, they can occasionally congregate in large numbers on buildings and other structures. This may be for height, warmth, or other unknown reasons. However, rest assured that the insects do not do any structural damage to the buildings, and will likely move on within a few weeks or perish with the colder weather.

No, the spotted lanternfly does not sting, bite, or otherwise do anything painful or damaging to humans or animals. Do not hesitate to approach and kill the insects and any eggs you find on sight—you’ll be playing an important role in slowing the spread of these invasive and destructive pests. If you’re not sure if the insect is a spotted lanternfly, snap a picture and contact your local extension office for help identifying it.

To help protect local ecosystems, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service urges citizens to educate themselves on how to identify and kill spotted lanternflies, including adults, immatures, and their eggs. It’s also crucial to check vehicles and belongings for the insects before traveling to avoid spreading them to new areas. Lastly, become familiar with your state’s reporting tools, take pictures if possible, and include the location where the picture was taken. 

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