GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources recently confirmed an infestation of the invasive spotted lanternfly in Greenfield. This pest is known to impact grape/wine producers and other agricultural commodities, and can also interfere with outdoor recreation if infestations reach high levels, due to their swarming behavior. Sightings can be reported at massnrc.org
From the City of Greenfield:
“We are sad to announce that that the Mass. Dept. of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) recently confirmed an infestation of the invasive spotted lanternfly (SLF) in Greenfield.
Spotted lanternfly is a pest that attacks tree-of-heaven, grapevines, maple trees, hop vines, and many other types of plants. This pest is known to impact grape/wine producers and other agricultural commodities, and can also interfere with outdoor recreation if infestations reach high levels, due to the swarming behavior of adult SLF in late summer and fall. The insects themselves do not bite or sting. 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.
You may see MDAR and/or USDA staff this fall or winter, checking trees in the area to determine the extent of the infestation.
Please report sightings and find more information here: https://massnrc.org/…/pestFAQsheets/spottedlanternfly.html“