Invasive lanternfly confirmed in Webster

The Town of Webster announced Oct. 16 that the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, known as MDAR, has confirmed an infestation of the invasive spotted lanternfly in Webster. The confirmation follows reports submitted to a pest reporting website at the beginning of October that identified a population of adult spotted lanternflies in town.

The spotted lanternfly, whose scientific name is Lycorma delicatula, is a pest that affects plants including tree-of-heaven, grapevines, maple trees and hop vines. It poses a significant threat to grape and wine producers and other agricultural commodities, and high levels of infestation can disrupt outdoor recreation because of the swarming behavior of adult lanternflies in late summer and fall. The insects do not bite or sting, but they gather in large numbers and leave behind a sticky waste product known as honeydew.

The town is encouraging residents and businesses to report any sightings of the pest. MDAR and U.S. Department of Agriculture surveyors may be seen in the area this fall or winter assessing the extent of the infestation.

Free copies of spotted lanternfly fact sheets, identification cards and guides are available upon request. MDAR also offers animated public service announcements about the spotted lanternfly on its YouTube channel.

Source: Town of Webster announcement, October 16, 2026.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the original announcement.