Spotted Lanternfly Infestation in Blackstone: Identification and Prevention Tips
Spotted Lanternfly Infestation Blackstone: What Residents Should Know
Blackstone Town Administrator Chad Lovett reports that an infestation of the spotted lanternfly in Blackstone was confirmed by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources as published on the Town Website on Thursday, August 21, 2025. This invasive insect feeds on a wide variety of plants and trees in the area, including those commonly found in home gardens and landscapes. The town encourages residents to stay alert and learn how to identify, report, and safely manage sightings.
What Do Spotted Lanternflies Look Like?
Spotted lanternflies go through several stages. Residents can use the following cues to spot them:
- Egg masses: Gray-brown, mud-like coverings on trees, fences, outdoor furniture, or vehicles. Each mass contains 30–50 eggs.
- Nymphs: Small, black with white spots. As they mature, they develop red patches.
- Adults: About 1 inch long, grayish wings with black spots and bright red underwings.
You can also watch this helpful video on inspecting your vehicle:
Known Host Plants
While the main host is the invasive tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), SLF has been found on nearly 100 plant species. Here are the most common species residents may see:
| Plant | Preferred Host? |
|---|---|
| Asiatic bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) | No |
| Birch (Betula spp.) | Yes |
| Black walnut (Juglans nigra) | Yes |
| Grapes (Vitis spp.) | Yes |
| Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) | No |
| Hops (Humulus lupulus) | No |
| Lilac (Syringa spp.) | No |
| Maple (Acer spp.) | Yes |
| Mulberry (Morus spp.) | No |
| Poplar (Populus spp.) | No |
| Rose (Rosa spp.) | Yes |
| Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) | Yes |
| Sycamore (Platanus spp.) | No |
| Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) | Yes |
| Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) | No |
| Willow (Salix spp.) | Yes |
Monitoring these plants regularly can help catch infestations early. Spotted Lanternfly may also aggregate in large numbers on apple or other fruit trees; while disruptive, this has not been shown to damage the trees.
Residents should keep an eye on these plants, especially preferred hosts, for early signs of infestation. MDAR and potentially USDA staff will be in Blackstone during the next several weeks to survey trees and assess the extent of the infestation.
What To Do If You See a Spotted Lanternfly
- Report it: Take a photo, note the location, and submit online.
- Remove egg masses: Scrape egg masses into a sealed bag with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer and dispose of safely.
- Check plants and outdoor surfaces: Trees, shrubs, firewood, outdoor furniture, and vehicles may carry nymphs or adults.
- Spread awareness: Encourage neighbors and community members to inspect their yards and gardens.
For comprehensive management tips for gardeners, see UMass Extension’s Spotted Lanternfly Management Guide.
Prevention and Community Action
- Remove or manage tree-of-heaven, a favorite host of the spotted lanternfly.
- Inspect vehicles, firewood, and outdoor equipment before traveling.
- Keep gardens and landscaped areas monitored weekly for early signs of infestation.
Early detection and careful reporting are the most effective ways for Blackstone residents to reduce the impact of the spotted lanternfly in our community.
At Small Town Post, our mission is to keep Blackstone residents informed, connected, and aware of local news, updates, and community issues. By sharing stories like this, we aim to help residents stay prepared and knowledgeable about matters that may affect gardens, trees, and landscapes. If you have local news, observations, or stories you’d like featured, send them our way. Stay in the loop—follow Small Town Post on Facebook for regular updates, helpful guidance, and community news.
Together, we can protect our local greenery and keep Blackstone thriving.
