Invasive spotted lanternfly infestation confirmed in Mass. town

Millbury is dealing with an infestation spotted lanternflies, a highly invasive insect that preys on trees and woody plants, officials said in a statement.

Spotted lanternflies attacks trees and other woody plants by feeding on their sap, according to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR). The pests can sometimes affect grape, wine, and maple syrup production due to the type of vegetation they attack, according to the MDAR.

However, they do not bite or sting humans, officials said. Instead, the insects gather in swarms and cover anything they touch with a sticky substance known as “honeydew,” according to the statement.

The insects, originating from Asia, are about one inch long and half an inch wide, an MDAR fact sheet said. Adult spotted lanternflies have brown wings with black spots, and when in flight they have bright red hindwings, the fact sheet said. Lanternfly egg masses look like mud, while MDAR said nymph lanternflies are black with some white spots.

Millbury officials encourage anyone who sees a spotted lanternfly to report the insect using an MDAR form. After reporting the insect, you should try to capture and squish it, a MDAR video said.

There have been a few spotted lanternfly sightings in Mass. in recent years, including in Stow in 2022 and Wellesley last year.