Photo: Town of Millbury
MILLBURY, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) —The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) confirmed an infestation of the spotted lanternfly in Millbury, the town said in a statement.
The insects, roughly an inch long, are red in color with distinguishable black dots on its wings. They are an invasive species that causes serious devastations to native plants and trees.
Though the flies do not bite or sting, they do travel in swarms and a high level could interfere with outdoor recreations. “They are a nuisance because they gather in large numbers in areas where people are, and cover anything they are on with a sticky, sugary waste product known as honeydew,” the town's statement added.
“It kind of looks like a butterfly,” one resident told WBZ NewsRadio.
Millbury town officials are urging residents to be aware and report any sightings of the pests. However, those who spoke with WBZ NewsRadio in the area said they have not seen it in person.
“When I was walking in the trail, I saw traps for them,” David said.
Jack actually seen the spotted lanternfly during a trip to Philadelphia, PA. “It was pretty gross,” he recalled. “They were just everywhere, flying around.”
The species originated from Asia and was first detected in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in 2014. Spotted lanternfly were found in Mass. as early as in 2018. Several communities have had past infestation, including Worcester, Shrewsbury, Fitchburg, and Springfield, in 2022.
Residents can report any sightings of spotted lanternfly to massnrc.org/pests/slf or call 617-626-1779.
WBZ's Emma Friedman (@EmmaFriedmanWBZ) reports.
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