FRAMINGHAM – The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) recently confirmed an infestation of the invasive insect known as spotted lanternfly (SLF) in the City of Framingham. Last week, the spotted lanternfly survey team from MDAR visited the City of Framingham and verified the presence of these pests.
The spotted lanternfly is a pest that targets various plants, including tree-of-heaven, grapevines, maple trees, and hops vines, among others. This pest poses a threat to grape and wine producers, as well as other agricultural products, and can also disrupt outdoor recreational activities.
The insects do not bite or sting; however, they can be quite bothersome as they cluster in large groups around populated areas, leaving behind a sticky, sugary residue called honeydew on surfaces they touch.
Spotted lanternfly (“SLF”, scientific name Lycorma delicatula) was accidentally introduced into the United States around 2014, on shipments of crushed stone sent to a business in Pennsylvania.
Please check your property for spotted lanternfly and its favorite host plants, tree-of-heaven and grape.
If you see SLF outside of a known infested area, take a picture and report it at https://massnrc.org/pests/slf
Questions can also be directed to the City of Framingham’s Tree Warden Rebecca Nau at rn@framinghamma.gov
More resources available at www.massnrc.org/pests/linkeddocuments/SLFHomeownerMgmtGuide.pdf
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Information courtesy of City of Framingham
Photo credit by Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Source Invasive.org.
