Spotted lanternflies (Courtesy of the University of Rhode Island)
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is ramping up efforts to suppress the state’s spotted lanternfly population.
The invasive species has been spotted in Lincoln, North Providence, Pawtucket, Providence, and Smithfield so far this year, according to the DEM.
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The DEM is planning on treating “pockets of infestations” in those communities with EPA-approved insecticides starting Wednesday.
The targeted treatments will not be large-scale operations, and the DEM will be contacting nearby businesses and homeowners before applying the treatments.
This Sept. 19, 2019, photo shows a spotted lanternfly at a vineyard in Kutztown, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
The invasive species has been in the Ocean State since August 2021, when a spotted lanternfly was discovered in Warwick. Since then, the insects have popped up in a number of communities.
The spotted lanternfly can be extremely destructive, according to the DEM, since it targets a wide variety of plants, trees and crops.
Even though the spotted lanternfly has wings and can travel on its own, the DEM said the invasive species typically spreads through its “inconspicuous egg masses.”
The spotted lanternfly’s eggs typically latch onto trees, but can also be found on picnic tables, wooden pallets and firewood.
Anyone who sees a spotted lanternfly should take a photo of it, squish it and then report it to the DEM. If possible, the DEM requests specimens be collected for verification and frozen in a bag or jar with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.