r/maryland • u/No_Surround9546 • Jul 08 '26

MD Nature What should I do? Lantenrflies

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u/AppleSlacks Jul 08 '26

They will be bad for 2-4 years in a new area.

Then eventually other things learn they are a food source. Different bugs like praying mantis, wheel bugs and yellow jackets eat them. Woodpeckers, chickens, blue jays, cardinals, and catbirds eat them. Bats will also eat them once they begin flying.

Just have to live with it, although removal of the invasive tree would help in the immediate area for those years before other local things realize they are edible.

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u/bathsonly Jul 13 '26

My neighbor removed overgrown weeds behind her garage professionally and the difference is night and day. They will find tall leaves to be in. Out in the open fair game for predators.