Spotted Lanternfly Expands Across Massachusetts, Cape Cod on Alert

An invasive insect has now been spotted in more than 50 cities and communities across nine counties in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) reports that the spotted lanternfly is expanding. Many sightings have taken place this summer in central and western Massachusetts. 

While the insect is not harmful to people or pets, it is significantly detrimental to grape vines, young trees, small saplings of black walnut, and the tree of heaven. At this time of year, MDAR said the insects can be identified by their gray wings with black spots and a red set of underwings.

“We get there are a lot of people frustrated, especially in the greater Worcester area. There are a lot of residents that are seeing a lot of lanternflies at their homes and businesses,” said MDAR environmental biologist Jennifer Forman Orth, in a statement shared with Spectrum News 1. 

“Head over to Mass.gov/spotted-lanternfly and look at the link to our management guide. It can help you make decisions about whether you want to do something like set up traps on your property to try and reduce the number of lanternflies there. Or even look into getting some kind of pesticide treatment if they're really bad,” she continued.

The Cape Cod Cooperative Extension has issued an advisory update regarding the potential threat of the spotted lanternfly. While these invasive pests have not been detected on Cape Cod, Cooperative Extension experts warn that the insects are advancing through Massachusetts and could arrive on the Cape through various forms of transportation.

The Cooperative Extension has offered guidance for residents who encounter these insects: "See it? Squash it." They also urge the public to document sightings by taking photographs and reporting them through the official Massachusetts website dedicated to the spotted lanternfly invasion: Mass.gov/spotted-lanternfly.