Spotted lanternfly populations have ‘exploded’ in RI, DEM warns

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — It’s been four years since the first spotted lanternfly was discovered in Rhode Island.

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has uncovered a number of infestations statewide since then, and expects more populations to pop up over time.

The spotted lanternfly can be extremely destructive, according to the DEM, since it targets a wide variety of plants, trees and crops…

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