Franklin residents are asked to be on alert as the invasive insect known as the spotted lanternfly has been seen in town. The Mass Department of Agricultural Resources says a survey team following up on a report from last month has confirmed an infestation in Franklin although they did not say how deep the infestation runs. Spotted lanternfly is a pest that attacks tree-of-heaven, grapevines, maple trees, hop vines, and many other types of plants. The insects themselves do not bite or sting but they are a nuisance because they gather in large numbers where people are.
