Fall is a good time to look for spotted lanternfly, but finding a suspicious patch on a tree is not proof you have it. The insect can leave egg masses on bark, firewood, outdoor furniture and equipment. A close photo and a report to Indiana DNR are more useful than guessing from a distance or spraying a tree before the insect is identified.
Spotted lanternfly has been confirmed in parts of Indiana. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ spotted lanternfly page, checked September 30, 2026, lists known populations in Switzerland, Huntington, Elkhart, St. Joseph and Porter counties. That list does not establish a local outbreak in Anderson or Madison County. It does explain why homeowners and contractors across the state should know what to look for, particularly when moving firewood or equipment.
What does an egg mass look like?
According to Indiana DNR, a female lays roughly 30 to 50 brownish-yellow eggs in several rows. A gray, waxy covering hides them. As it ages, the covering can look like a small smear of dried or cracked mud, about an inch long. The eggs can be on smooth or sheltered surfaces, including tree bark, rocks, vehicles, trailers, outdoor furniture and stacked wood.
Check at eye level first. Look at the trunk, lower limbs and items stored near trees. If you see something suspicious higher in the canopy, leave it there; do not climb a tree or use a ladder simply to inspect an egg mass. Some harmless material can look similar in a photo, so identification matters.
DNR says adults begin laying eggs in September and may continue until a hard frost. Egg masses remain through winter. That timing makes fall cleanup and equipment inspection a useful habit, even if you never see an adult insect.
Where should you look first?
Tree-of-heaven is a preferred host of spotted lanternfly. It is itself an invasive tree, and it can be confused with walnut or sumac. Purdue Extension’s tree-of-heaven identification guide shows the leaflets and other traits to compare. Do not remove an unidentified tree just because its leaves look similar.
DNR also recommends checking logs, firewood, outdoor household items and vehicles that may have come from an infested area. Moving infested material can spread the insect to new locations. Before hauling a load of wood or putting stored equipment on the road, take a quick look at the surfaces that have been sitting outdoors.
If you see adult insects, DNR describes gray forewings with black spots, red and black hind wings visible when opened, and a habit of hopping or crawling. Sticky honeydew, dark sooty mold and heavy insect activity can be clues, but none should be treated as a diagnosis by itself.
What should you do if you find something suspicious?
- Take clear photos of the suspected egg mass or insect and the surrounding surface. Include an object for scale if you can do so safely.
- Note the location and whether the item was recently moved from another area.
- Use the reporting instructions on Indiana DNR’s spotted lanternfly page. DNR provides an online form and lists 866-NO EXOTIC (866-663-9684) for reports.
- Avoid moving the affected firewood, equipment or outdoor item until you have documented it and checked the current state guidance.
DNR recommends destroying confirmed egg masses in late fall or winter by scraping and crushing them. Start with identification and reporting, especially if this would be a new finding in your area. A broad insecticide treatment is not the right first response to an unconfirmed patch of eggs. Any pesticide work must match the product label and the site; DNR also notes pollinator precautions and Indiana licensing requirements for certain applications.
Does this mean my tree needs treatment?
Not necessarily. Spotted lanternfly feeds on many woody plants, but the right response depends on whether the insect is present, how much activity there is, the tree species and the site. A tree with yellow leaves or canopy dieback may have an entirely different problem. If you are concerned about the health of a tree on your property, our plant health care team can evaluate the tree and its growing conditions before recommending any treatment.
Tree Insights is here to help homeowners make better decisions, including knowing when a problem needs a professional assessment and when it simply needs a closer look. Browse our other Indiana tree-care guides for practical advice on roots, pruning, storm damage and seasonal care.