Spotted Lanternfly Confirmed In More Than 50 Massachusetts Cities And Towns, State Says

CBS Boston

August 28, 2025

The invasive spotted lanternfly has been confirmed in more than 50 cities and towns in Massachusetts this summer, the state said Wednesday.

Spotted lanternflies don't sting or bite and they're not a threat to humans or animals. However, they leave behind a sticky "honeydew" residue. They feed on the sap of more than 100 plants and can kill grapevines and small tree saplings. They pose a minor risk to mature trees.

Spotted lanternflies are recognizable by their gray wings with black spots and a set of red wings underneath.

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