Spotted Lanternfly Confirmed In Topsfield; Officials Urge Local Vigilance

State agricultural officials have confirmed the invasive spotted lanternfly in Topsfield and are urging residents to stay watchful as adults become most active and begin laying eggs this season, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources says. MDAR reports detections in more than 145 municipalities statewide and says established populations exist in every region of the commonwealth except Cape Cod and the Islands.

The insect, native to Asia and first recorded in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in 2014, was first found in Massachusetts in 2021. It poses a growing threat to farms, forests and outdoor spaces by feeding on plant sap with specialized mouthparts and targeting more than 100 plant species, including grapevines, apples, peaches, hops, maples and black walnuts. Large groups produce sticky honeydew that can coat decks, vehicles and furniture, encourage sooty mold and draw swarms of other insects. The lanternfly is harmless to people and pets and does not bite or sting.

Officials, including MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle, say the agency plans to concentrate survey and treatment efforts where they expect the most impact and to prioritize major farming areas such as orchards, vineyards and nurseries while watching border areas with neighboring states. State and local leaders are asking the public to report sightings, kill adult insects on sight, inspect vehicles before travel, look for fall and winter egg masses on smooth surfaces, and follow recommended removal steps including photographing specimens and reporting findings online at mass.gov/spotted-lanternfly.