The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) recently confirmed an infestation of the invasive insect known as spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula or “SLF”) in Mendon. Members of their survey team were following up on a report that came in to the pest reporting website and confirmed the presence of spotted lanternfly adults in the area.

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.

Spotted lanternfly eggs can survive cold

“Spotted lanternfly eggs, however, show resilience, surviving on surfaces at 12-14 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing them to persist through winter conditions. The larvae employ survival strategies, including clustering together to endure cold climates. While adult lanternflies are affected by freezing temperatures, their egg masses can survive the harsh winter and potentially hatch in spring.” 

Source:

https://blog.entomologist.net  

Learn more at https://massnrc.org/pests/pestFAQsheets/spottedlanternfly.html and https://massnrc.org/pests/linkeddocuments/SLFHomeownerMgmtGuide.pdf . 

Source: www.mendonma.gov