Arlington Dealing With Infestation Of Spotted Lantern Fly

ARLINGTON, MA — The town is currently dealing with an infestation of the spotted lanternfly, according to the results of an investigation by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources.

The invasive insect was first detected in the country in Pennsylvania in 2014. According to the MDAR, It feeds on a variety of trees such as maple, birch, willows, and black walnuts. When feeding, the fly releases a sticky liquid waste that damages the tree or plant. It also feeds on the invasive weed known as Tree of Heaven, which is present in Arlington.

While the flies can cause damage to what they feed off of, they do not bite or sting humans and other animals.

The MDAR is asking any and all sightings of the insect by Arlington community members to be reported on their website.