Franklin Conservation Department Reminds Residents to Watch for Spotted Lanternfly

Franklin Conservation Department Reminds
Residents to Watch for Spotted Lanternfly

The Franklin Conservation Department is reminding residents to remain vigilant for the invasive spotted lanternfly (SLF), as egg masses have begun hatching across Massachusetts. Franklin is among the communities in the Commonwealth with known infestations of the species.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), tiny black SLF nymphs are now active in some parts of the state, with hatch expected to continue over the next several weeks depending on weather conditions. Residents are encouraged to inspect outdoor surfaces on their property for unhatched egg masses and scrape and crush them when found to help reduce the spread of the invasive pest.

MDAR has provided several helpful resources for residents, including animated educational videos, a Spotted Lanternfly Management Guide available in 12 languages, and a statewide infestation map.

Additional information and resources are available through the MDAR Spotted Lanternfly webpage.

Public Notice from the Department of Public Works: Invasive Insect Infestation Identified

Public Notice from the Department of Public Works: Invasive Insect Infestation Identified

Mass. Dept. of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) recently confirmed an infestation of the invasive insect known as spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula or “SLF”) in Franklin. A survey team was following up on a report that came in to us at the end of August, and confirmed that the insects were present in that area. We do not yet know the full extent of the infestation - only a preliminary survey has been done so far.

"confirmed an infestation of the invasive insect known as spotted lanternfly"

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.

That said, 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.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DOygDRdidso/