How the trap works
The BugBane Lantern Fly Trap is a sticky tree-banding kit. It works as a physical adhesive barrier: a high-tack sticky band is wrapped around the trunk of a tree so that spotted lanternflies and other climbing insects are caught on the adhesive as they move up and down the trunk to feed. The band uses no spray and no internal bait — insects are captured on contact with the sticky surface.
What it catches
The adhesive band intercepts spotted lanternfly nymphs and adults as they climb the trunk, along with other small crawling insects such as ants, caterpillars, and beetles that cross the band. It is a barrier trap, not an area-wide lure.
What is in the kit
- 3 rolls of high-tack sticky fly paper (42.7 feet / 13.01 meters per roll).
- Securing pins for fastening the band to the bark.
- An egg scraper for removing egg masses from bark.
How to wrap a tree
- Choose host trees. Spotted lanternflies favor trees such as Tree of Heaven, maple, walnut, oak, birch, apple, and other fruit trees.
- Band at chest height. Wrap the sticky paper around the trunk roughly 4 to 5 feet (chest height) from the ground, where climbing nymphs and adults must cross it.
- Wrap snug, not tight. Keep the band flat against the bark but leave enough slack that it does not girdle the tree.
- Pin the edges. Use the included pins to hold the band flush against uneven bark so there are no gaps insects can slip behind.
What to expect
- Inspect weekly. During peak season the adhesive collects insects and debris. When the surface is saturated, replace that section of tape.
- Use the egg scraper off-season. Spotted lanternflies lay flat, mud-like egg masses on bark; scraping them into soapy water or rubbing alcohol reduces the next generation.
- Wildlife awareness. The adhesive is strong. Where small birds or animals frequent the base of a tree, a layer of mesh or screening (not included) can be placed over the band.
Materials
The band is a high-tack, pressure-sensitive adhesive on an inert backing. It is solvent-free and odor-free. The backing material does not leach into the tree’s bark.
Disposal
When a section of band is full, roll the tape back on itself, place it in a plastic bag, and dispose of it in household trash.
