Director and Public Health Nurse Anne Marie Fleming advises community members of a local infestation of the invasive spotted lanternfly.
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) has confirmed a local infestation of the invasive spotted lanternfly (SLF). According to the MDAR, this invasive insect poses a threat to trees, plants, and agriculture. They attack grapevines, hops, and fruit trees, causing damage by feeding on their sap. It does not bite, sting, or otherwise harm people or pets.
SLF eggs began hatching a few weeks ago, and the nymphs—small black insects with white spots—are now active and may be difficult to spot. As they mature into adults later this summer, community members may notice increased activity and related concerns.
Throughout the season, residents may see survey crews from MDAR or the USDA inspecting trees in town to monitor the spread. We appreciate your cooperation as they work to assess and manage this invasive species.
To assist community members with spotted lanternfly management, the Health Department would like to share the following information courtesy of the MDAR:
- Check trees and other items on your property that could have SLF adults, nymphs, or egg masses.
- Avoid parking under infested trees and inspect your vehicle before leaving your property.
- Identify your property’s preferred host plants of spotted lanternflies (tree-of-heaven, grape, black walnut, birch, maple). Check them regularly for signs of spotted lanternflies, including egg masses.
- Use circle traps or sticky bands if you have spotted lanternflies on your property.
- If you see small numbers of spotted lanternfly adults or nymphs, especially on vehicles or materials being moved out of an infested area, squish or smash the insects to destroy them.
- Scrape and squish any egg masses off of trees.
Please note that removing host trees is not likely to permanently reduce levels of SLF on your property. If you do decide to remove a tree of heaven, an herbicide must be used to kill the root system.
If you find spotted lanternfly or spotted lanternfly egg masses, please take a photo and report it to the MDAR’s online database.
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