Scrape Tool Guide
Illustrated steps and safety tips for removing Spotted Lanternfly egg masses.
Best season
Fall through early spring, before eggs hatch (roughly October–April).
Wear gloves
Disposable gloves protect your skin and keep the mass intact for disposal.
Don't just brush it off
Eggs survive a fall. Always scrape into a bag and treat with alcohol.
Identify the egg mass
Look for a grayish-brown, mud-like smear (1–2 inches) on tree bark, stone, fences, or outdoor furniture. Confirm it looks like dried putty, not a living insect.
Gather your tools
You'll need a plastic scrape tool (an old credit card or putty knife works), a sealable plastic bag, and a small amount of hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol.
Position the bag below
Hold the bag open directly under the egg mass so scraped material falls inside. Don't let any fall to the ground.
Scrape firmly
Press the edge of the tool flat against the surface and drag it across the mass. Apply enough pressure to crush the eggs — a light pass can leave survivors.
Add alcohol
Squirt hand sanitizer or a splash of rubbing alcohol into the bag with the scraped material. This kills any eggs that survived crushing.
Seal and dispose
Seal the bag tightly and throw it in the trash. Don't compost it. Wash your hands and the scrape tool.
Report it
Log the destroyed mass in the app as a 'Lanternfly Egg Mass' sighting so eradication effort can be tracked.
Ready to scrape?
Report every mass you destroy to help track the eradication effort.
Report an egg mass →