Step 1
Watch the entire video of the trap installation.
Step 2
Wrap the long side of the fabric loosely around the tree, overlapping the edges by 12-14 inches. The net should be about 24 inches longer than the circumference of the tree.
Step 3
Double knot the stretchy tape tightly around the netted tree, up 5 inches from and parallel with the bottom edge of the net.
Step 4
Tuck the bottom 5 inches of the net unevenly under and over the stretchy tape so it bunches up around the tie.
Step 5
Fold the top of the netting down over the bottom bunched up fabric and tie, making a drape over the tape and bunched up netting, all the way around the tree.
Step 6
Find both the open, side edges of the netting. Pull the sides together and roll them up a little to seal the side of the trap parallel to the bark; leave enough room for the net to still hang loosely around the tree. Staple the roll down the side, at least four times, spaced apart to make a seam.
Step 7
Loosely roll the bottom of the netting inward all the way around the bottom of the net. The roll should hang loosely around the circumference of the tree, leaving room for the insects to climb up the bark.
Step 8
Staple the bottom roll together so it stays loosely rolled up all the way around the bottom; the more bunched the fabric, the better chance the insects will be caught in it.
Why It Works
The insect’s instinct is to climb straight up the tree because it can feed while it climbs upward. Because of this urge to feed while climbing, it rarely figures out that it must climb downward to climb out of the net. The spotted lanternfly will get caught in the net because the tie is blocking its upward movement. It will dehydrate and die after a few days and eventually fall out of the net. Check the net every few weeks to make sure there are no holes and the staples are still secure. Staple shut any holes if necessary.
Spotted Lanternfly Guy 