Invasive Spotted Lanternflies Are Back In Greenwich: Here's What To Know

GREENWICH, CT — Spotted lanternflies are back in Greenwich, according to First Selectman Fred Camillo, and residents are being encouraged to squash them to help prevent future spread of the invasive insect.

"We have heard from several residents that spotted lanternflies are back and it’s important to know that while these insects do not pose any kind of health threat to humans, they can do serious harm to plants and trees," Camillo said in his weekly newsletter on July 18.

"According to our Department of Environmental Affairs, what people are seeing now in Greenwich are spotted lanternflies that are in the later nymph stages. They are black and red with white spots and when they feed on the sap of trees and plants they can create a sooty mold that could potentially lead to dieback and stunted growth."

Residents should squash spotted lanternflies immediately, Camillo said.

Lanternfly traps are in place at Greenwich Point near the holly grove thanks to the Conservation Commission, Parks and Recreation, Youth Conservation Corps. and donations from town residents, Camillo noted.

More information on spotted lanternflies in Connecticut can be found here.