Worcester, MASS–An invasive insect has now been seen in more than 50 cities and towns across nine different counties in Massachusetts. The state’s Department of Agricultural Resources says the spotted lanternfly is expanding, with many sightings this summer in central and western Mass. The insect is not harmful to people or pets, but poses a major risk to grape vines, tree of heaven and young trees or small saplings of black walnut. This time of year, MDAR said they can be seen with 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,” MDAR environmental biologist, Jennifer Forman Orth said. “ Head over to Mass.Gov/SLF 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.”…