Content Updated: January 8, 2026

Key takeaways

  • Spotted lanternflies have not yet been established in California, but the risk is increasing.
  • Adults, nymphs, and egg masses all look different, so it’s crucial to learn the signs to spot them.
  • Spotted lanternflies are invasive and can damage vineyards, orchards, and gardens.
  • Quick action can help stop a single sighting from becoming a statewide problem.

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California’s wine country, orchards, and backyards have enough to worry about without the threat of new pests. Yet the spotted lanternfly in California is becoming a growing concern as these insects creep westward. These invasive pests can hitchhike across the country on cars, furniture, or anything that sits still long enough.

Spotted lanternflies aren’t officially established in California, but the risk is real, making it more critical than ever to know how to spot one. Terminix is here to help homeowners identify these invaders and take action before they spread.

How do I know if I’m seeing spotted lanternflies?

If you’ve never seen a spotted lanternfly before, the good news is they’re pretty recognizable once you know what to look for. Here’s what spotted lanternflies look like at each stage of their lifecycle:

Spotted lanternfly adult

  • Adults are about an inch long with pale gray wings covered in black spots; when they open those wings, you’ll see a bright red layer underneath.
Spotted lanternfly nymphs

  • Nymphs begin life as small red or black insects with white dots, then turn red-and-black as they grow.
Spotted lanternfly egg

  • Egg masses appear first and are often mistaken for a dried mud smear. They’re flat, tan to gray, and about the size of a credit card.

Why is it bad to see a spotted lanternfly?

Seeing a spotted lanternfly in California isn’t just an unusual backyard bug sighting; it’s a serious threat. These insects are invasive, meaning they spread quickly, have few natural predators, and can cause widespread damage. They feed on the sap of plants, leaving behind sticky honeydew that can lead to sooty mold and weaken trees, shrubs, and vines. For California, this makes grapevines and wine production especially vulnerable, potentially putting the state’s wine country at risk.

The good news? Spotted lanternflies aren’t dangerous to people or pets. These garden pests don’t bite, sting, or carry diseases. Their harm is almost entirely focused on plants and agriculture, which is why early detection and reporting are crucial to protecting California’s ecosystems.

What should I do if I see a spotted lanternfly in California?

If you spot a spotted lanternfly in California, taking quick and careful action can help prevent it from spreading. Here’s what you should do if you see a spotted lanternfly:

  • Report it immediately: Take a clear photo and note the location, then call the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Pest Hotline at 1-800-491-1899.
  • Remove or kill the insects safely: Adults and nymphs can be swatted or squished.
  • Destroy egg masses: Scrape them off trees, rocks, vehicles, or outdoor items and submerge them in rubbing alcohol or soapy water.
  • Avoid moving potentially infested items: Don’t transport plants, firewood, outdoor furniture, or anything else that could carry lanternflies or their eggs.
  • Alert others nearby: Let neighbors or local growers know what to look for to help prevent further spread.

By following these steps, you can help protect California’s vineyards, orchards, and landscapes from these leaf-eating insects.

How far have spotted lanternflies spread?

The spotted lanternfly was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014, and since then, it has spread across a growing list of states, mainly along the East Coast and moving inland. As of 2025, the insect has been confirmed in at least 15 states.1 Their expansion is steady and primarily driven by accidental transport rather than natural flight.

Spotted lanternflies haven’t set up shop in California yet, but a few travelers have made surprise appearances. No reproducing colonies exist, which means every sighting matters. Help prevent invasive pests in California from taking hold by keeping a lookout, reporting any sightings, and staying proactive.

1Spotted lanternfly facts and figures referenced from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.