Is Providence expected to have a significant population of Spotted Lanternflies this summer?

Providence is expected to experience a significant population of Spotted Lanternflies this summer.

According to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, the bugs are established across the state, but sightings are especially common around Providence.  

The Spotted Lanternfly is a species of insect from China first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014, which has since spread to 19 states and D.C. The species was first found in Rhode Island in Warwick during August 2021. One year later, RIDEM and the United States Department of Agriculture confirmed the first population of the species in the state, in Smithfield. 

Large infestations of the insects secrete a sticky residue called honeydew that promotes fungal disease. This negatively impacts the growth of fruit crops and hardwood trees. They are not harmful to people or pets.

The USDA is asking people to scrape away egg masses, squash the bugs and report any sightings.

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Sources

• Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Spotted Lanternfly
• U.S. Department of Agriculture Spotted Lanternfly
• Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Spotted Lanternfly, an Invasive Pest Targeting Plants and Trees, Detected for the First Time this Year in Rhode Island
• Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Spotted Lanternfly Sightings Heat Map
• U.S. Department of Agriculture JOIN THE BATTLE. BEAT THE BUG. [Poster]