[ad_1]
SOUTHWICK, Mass. (WWLP) – The invasive Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) has spread to numerous municipalities across the state and has started laying eggs.
The spotted lanternfly, originally from Asia, has become an increasingly common sight across New England in recent years, and it’s been seen in western Massachusetts. They were first discovered in Massachusetts in 2021, and they have been widespread in the western part of the state, causing concern for residents.
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) states that spotted lanternflies have mated and eggs are laid starting in September and continue through late November. The egg masses, which resemble a splotch of mud, are about an inch long, flat, rectangular, and grayish in color, and are typically covered with a gray or beige waxy protective coating.
They can be found on just about anything, such as trees, porch lights, vehicles, outdoor furniture, potted plants, and other outdoor decor. MDAR says that the egg masses will survive over the winter. They advise residents to crush them and scrape them off the surface.
Stages of spotted lanternfly
Spotted lanternflies are currently entering their adult stage, marked by gray wings with black spots and red hindwings. Residents are encouraged to be vigilant, especially in areas with grapevines, tree-of-heaven, bittersweet, maple, or black walnut.
-
-
-
Spotted lanternfly first instar nymph (immature). Note that the nymph is black with white spots. This coloration persists through the third instar. Photo courtesy of Gregory Hoover. -
Spotted lanternfly fourth (final) instar nymph (immature). Note the color change to red and black with white spots. Photo courtesy of Gregory Hoover. -
Spotted Lanternfly. (Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture) -
Photo sent to 22News from Luke Fish -
Photo: Spotted lanternfly adult (left) and late-stage nymph (right) (Credit: USDA) -
-
Photo sent to 22News from Diane Hamelin in Springfield -
A mature spotted lanternfly found in Chester County, Pennsylvania. The bug is in this stage between July and December. (Getty) -
This photo shows a Spotted Lanternfly, in Long Branch, NJ, Aug. 7, 2022. Kill-on-sight requests in New York City and elsewhere are part of an aggressive campaign against an invasive pest that has spread to about a dozen states in eight years. (Heide Estes via AP)
The most noticeable impact of the spotted lanternfly is the sticky residue known as honeydew, which can be an inconvenience for outdoor activities.
What to do when you find a spotted lanternfly in Massachusetts
MDAR’s SLF Management Guide provides practical solutions for dealing with this pest, including advice on setting up traps and removing host plants like tree-of-heaven.
The spotted lanternfly was recently seen by a 22News viewer in Southwick. Joe Impoco said the photo was taken on October 9th at the Southwick Wildlife Management Area. He said that the last map by MDAR did not have Southwick listed.
According to the MDAR Invasive Pest Dashboard, as of October 13, there are 19 communities in western Massachusetts where the invasive spotted lanternfly has spread. In a previous report by 22News in August, four communities have since been added, Monson, Northampton, and
Southwick.
Map comparison: MDAR Invasive Pest Dashboard
(Screenshot: Aug. 27, 2025 vs Oct. 13, 2025)
- Agawam
- Belchertown
- Chicopee
- East Longmeadow
- Granby
- Hampden
- Holyoke
- Longmeadow
- Ludlow
- Monson
- Northampton
- Palmer
- South Hadley
- Southwick
- Springfield
- Warren
- West Springfield
- Westfield
- Wilbraham
As the spotted lanternfly continues to spread, MDAR is focusing its efforts on slowing the pest’s expansion in areas where agriculture is most at risk. Residents and businesses are encouraged to take proactive measures to manage the pest and report new sightings.
MDAR says new sightings not listed on their current dashboard should be documented with a photo and reported via mass.gov/slf.
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Download the 22News Plus app on your TV to watch live-streaming newscasts and video on demand.
[ad_2]
Ashley Shook
Source link