BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is informing the public that the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), an invasive insect, has now been confirmed in more than 50 cities and towns across nine different counties in the state.

 

MDAR is advising businesses and residents in affected areas to review SLF guidance strategies to manage this pest and prevent its further spread.  

 

Spotted Lanternflies are not a threat to people or pets, as they do not sting or bite. They primarily feed on the sap of over 100 different types of plants. This time of year, spotted lanternflies are entering their adult stage, characterized by their gray wings with black spots and a set of red hindwings underneath. Residents are encouraged to watch for these insects, especially in areas with grapevines, tree-of-heaven, bittersweet, maple, or black walnut.

 

While spotted lanternflies can kill grapevines and small tree saplings, they generally pose minor risks to mature trees. The most noticeable impact is the sticky residue known as honeydew that they produce while feeding, which can be an inconvenience for outdoor activities including agritourism.

 

For those facing lanternfly issues at their residence or business, MDAR's SLF Management Guide offers practical solutions for dealing with this pest, containing advice about setting up traps, removing tree-of-heaven or other host plants, and details about state activities to slow the spread of SLF.

 

"With populations of spotted lanternfly expanding, we expect that more residents will start to see SLF activity at home or where they work," said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. "Because MDAR has limited resources for management, the agency is focusing on slowing the spread of this pest in areas where agriculture is most at risk, as well as locations where there are businesses at risk of accidentally spreading SLF to new areas."

 

Due to the volume of calls MDAR has been receiving this summer, if spotted lanternfly is found, MDAR is asking the public to first check this map to see if SLF has already been reported in the city or town.  If SLF appears in a new location, please take a photo of the insect and visit mass.gov/slf to access the reporting form.