Spotted lanternflies are an invasive species from China that have been causing problems for crops as they spread in the US. They are known for their bright red wings, which deter many birds from eating them,  allowing them to multiply rapidly.  When at rest, this pest will blend in with tree bark as the covering wings are spotted black on a grey background. Instead of spraying, it is advised that you squish these insects as they rest on bark or capture them inside a plastic bottle or bag, seal them up and put them into the garbage. The genuine concern is the eggs they lay now, and so citizens are advised to look for the egg sacs and destroy them when found. Egg sacs look like mud that has been smeared onto tree trunks. Scrape this off with a credit card or other tool and dispose of it as you do the adults. I also suggest that you contact your local agricultural agent to report your sighting of these critters, since they may have other, more local recommendations. So that you know, the beautiful but unwelcome lantern fly does not bite or sting humans. At this point, it primarily causes damage to trees when large groups, such as more than 30 or 40 flies, feed at once. The good news is that local birds in some areas have decided they are edible, despite the red wings, so there is hope that nature will take care of the invasion before it gets out of control.  Keep growing, Marianne Binetti