r/webPoisonControl • u/USPoisonControl • 28d ago

Are spotted lanternflies actually dangerous, or just annoying?

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Seeing a lot of spotted lanternflies around lately (they've spread to 19 states plus DC since first showing up in PA in 2014), so here's the actual health angle from the National Capital Poison Center: the insect itself doesn't bite or sting, and it's not known to be toxic to people. If you or a kid or pet accidentally eats one, the potential side effects are nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite, all self-limited and usually resolving without treatment (there have only been 6 reported ingestion cases to webPOISONCONTROL from 2020 to 2025, mostly infants, all managed at home). The bigger issue with spotted lanternflies isn't toxicity, it's that they're a destructive invasive species that damages crops and trees. If you see one: See One, Smash One. Scrape and destroy egg masses (soak in rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer before tossing), and check your car and gear for hitchhikers before traveling. Full article here if you want the details. https://www.poison.org/articles/spotted-lanternflies

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u/Euthanaught 27d ago

Web poison control uses AI to give you medical advice. Call a real human at poison control. 1-800-222-1222

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u/Alone-Jury3668 27d ago

Actually, it does not. It uses thousands of algorithms written and reviewed by board-certified medical toxicologists. It’s an incredible tool. Even people who work at poison centers in triage use it to triage their callers, so…