Spotted Lanternfly Infestation Hits Waltham

WALTHAM, MA — The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources has confirmed an infestation of spotted lanternflies in Waltham.

Officials said they don't yet know the full extent of the infestation, but have confirmed that the insects are present. See an infestation map here.

A spotted lanternfly is a pest that attacks tree-of-heaven, grapevines, maple trees, hop vines and many other types of plants, officials said.

The pest is known to impact grape and 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.

They don't bite or sting, however, but they do gather in large numbers in areas where people are present. Officials said they cover anything they are on with a sticky, sugary waste product known as honeydew.

You may see surveyors (MDAR and/or USDA staff) periodically through the rest of the fall, officials said, who are checking trees in the area to determine the extent of the infestation.