Massachusetts urges residents to kill invasive spotted lanternflies

Overview

Updated Sep 9

Massachusetts is asking residents to kill an invasive sap-feeding insect now confirmed in more than 145 of the state's 351 cities and towns. The spotted lanternfly, native to Asia, arrived in the U.S. in 2014 and reached Massachusetts in 2021.

The insects don't bite or sting, but they feed on more than 100 plant species, including grapevines and maple trees. State officials say residents can slow the spread by scraping egg masses off surfaces, vacuuming the insects, and checking vehicles before traveling.

Why it matters

If the spread continues, spotted lanternflies could reach Massachusetts vineyards and maple groves, threatening crops the state's farms depend on.

Monday: what changed in Boston, MA

One short email a week with the openings, closings, permits and council votes we covered. Free. Unsubscribe in one click.

Questions about this story

Free account needed to ask — your question is kept and asked for you right after sign-up. Answers are public.

No questions yet — be the first to ask.

Key Indicators

145+

Cities and towns with confirmed spotted lanternflies

Found in every region except Cape Cod and the Islands as of September 2026.

100+

Plant species spotted lanternflies feed on

Includes grapevines, tree-of-heaven, black walnut, and maple.

Cape Cod and Islands communities with confirmed lanternflies

The only region in Massachusetts without documented presence.

Voices

Curated perspectives — historical figures and your fellow readers.

Ever wondered what historical figures would say about today's headlines?

People Involved

Ashley Randle

Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources

Leading the state's spotted lanternfly response

Organizations Involved

Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources

State Agency

Issuing public guidance to slow spotted lanternfly spread

State agency responsible for supporting Massachusetts agriculture and protecting against invasive pests.

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Federal Agency

Coordinates national spotted lanternfly response

Federal agency that coordinates the national response to invasive species, including the spotted lanternfly.

Timeline

September 2014 September 2026

8 events Latest: September 9th, 2026 · 2 months ago

Tap a bar to jump to that date

September 2026
Residents urged to kill lanternflies
Latest Public Alert

MDAR asks residents to kill lanternflies and destroy egg masses as spread reaches 145+ communities.
September 9th, 2026
February 2023
MDAR management update
Statement

MDAR updates public on management efforts during National Invasive Species Awareness Week.
February 2023
August 2022
Hampden County infestation confirmed
Discovery

Spotted lanternfly found in Hampden County, confirming continued western spread.
August 2022
May 2022
Egg mass warning on nursery stock
Warning

MDAR warns egg masses may have been brought in on nursery stock from other states.
May 2022
August 2021
First known infestation in Worcester County
Discovery

First established spotted lanternfly population found in Massachusetts.
August 2021
September 2020
Multiple finds across Massachusetts counties
Discovery

MDAR reports multiple spotted lanternfly finds across several counties, urges public to report.
September 2020
December 2018
First Massachusetts find
Discovery

Single dead spotted lanternfly found in Massachusetts.
December 2018
September 2014
Spotted lanternfly first found in U.S.
Discovery

First U.S. discovery in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Likely arrived on a stone shipment around 2012.
September 22nd, 2014

Scenarios

Spotted lanternfly confirmed on Cape Cod

Likely Resolves by End of 2027

Discussed by: Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources

The insect has spread to every region of Massachusetts except Cape Cod and the Islands. Accidental transport on vehicles is the most likely route into the remaining uninfested areas. If confirmed there, the state would shift from slowing spread to managing established populations.

Massachusetts imposes quarantine on infested areas

Possible Resolves by Q2 2027

Discussed by: Pennsylvania's quarantine model, agricultural trade analysts

Pennsylvania has imposed quarantines restricting movement of goods from infested areas. If Massachusetts lanternfly populations continue to grow, MDAR could adopt similar rules. This would affect businesses moving nursery stock, lumber, and outdoor equipment.

Biocontrol agents curb lanternfly populations

Uncertain Resolves by End of 2028

Discussed by: USDA APHIS, Penn State entomologists

USDA has researched parasitic wasps that attack spotted lanternflies as biological control agents. If released and effective in Massachusetts, they could reduce populations without heavy pesticide use. Success depends on wasps establishing sustained populations.

Historical Context

3 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.

2002-present

Emerald ash borer reaches the Northeast (2002)

The emerald ash borer, a wood-boring beetle from Asia, was first found in Michigan in 2002. It spread to more than 30 states in under two decades, killing hundreds of millions of ash trees.

Then

Communities spent millions on tree removal and insecticide programs.

Now

Set the template for U.S. responses to invasive wood-boring pests, with quarantine zones and public awareness campaigns.

Why this matters now

Shows how an invasive insect can spread rapidly across the U.S. despite control efforts, and how expensive the response becomes.

2008-2013

Asian longhorned beetle in Worcester, MA (2008)

The Asian longhorned beetle was found in Worcester, Massachusetts in 2008. USDA required removal of more than 30,000 infested trees to eradicate the pest.

Then

The beetle was declared eradicated in Massachusetts in 2013 after intensive tree removal.

Now

Set a precedent for aggressive eradication campaigns, showing that early response can contain invasive insects.

Why this matters now

Demonstrates Massachusetts has successfully eradicated an invasive insect before, with major intervention and at significant cost.

1869-present

Gypsy moth (spongy moth) in New England (1869)

French scientist Étienne Léopold Trouvelot imported gypsy moths to Medford, Massachusetts for a silkworm experiment in 1869. Some escaped, and the moth spread across the Northeast, defoliating millions of acres of forest.

Then

Massachusetts and other states spent decades attempting control with pesticides and biological agents.

Now

The moth remains established in New England, with periodic outbreaks causing widespread defoliation.

Why this matters now

Shows that once an invasive insect becomes established, complete eradication is rarely achieved; long-term management is the realistic goal.