MENDON – State agricultural officials are warning residents after a spotted lanternfly infestation was confirmed in Mendon.
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources confirmed the presence of the invasive insect after its team followed up on a report submitted through the state’s spotted lanternfly reporting website.
The spotted lanternfly can damage a wide variety of plants and agricultural products, including tree-of-heaven, grapevines, maple trees and hop vines. While the insect does not pose a direct threat to people or pets, officials are working to limit its spread because of the potential impact on agriculture and plant life.
Residents can find photos and information to help identify the insect on the Mendon town website. If you spot a lanternfly, officials recommend killing it and reporting the sighting to the state.
