The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ Spotted Lanternfly Survey Team has reported that spotted lanternfly egg masses have started hatching in Massachusetts, with small black nymphs now active in some areas of the state. Hatch is expected to continue over the next several weeks, depending on weather conditions, so there is still time to find and destroy unhatched egg masses.
Spotted lanternfly is an invasive sap-feeding insect that can impact a wide range of plants, including grapevines, fruit trees, hops, nursery crops, and tree-of-heaven. For fruit growers, especially vineyard and orchard operations, this is a good time to begin scouting for early nymph activity and to continue checking equipment, vehicles, posts, pallets, nursery stock, and other hard surfaces where egg masses may be present.
Egg masses should be scraped and crushed so the eggs are fully destroyed. Simply removing them without crushing may not prevent hatch. Growers, landscapers, and residents in or near known infested areas should also check vehicles and equipment before leaving the area to avoid accidentally moving spotted lanternfly to new locations.
UMass Extension encourages growers and the public to review MDAR’s recent update and spotted lanternfly resources for current guidance, identification support, and reporting information. Early detection and limiting movement remain important tools for slowing the spread of this invasive pest in Massachusetts.
Read the full MDAR update here: Massachusetts Introduced Pests Outreach Blog » Blog Archive » Spotted Lanternfly Egg Mass Hatch Has Begun , https://massnrc.org/pests/blog/?p=3927
For more information on spotted lanternfly in Massachusetts, including maps, management resources, and reporting tools, visit MDAR’s spotted lanternfly resource page.
