10/13/2026
Mass. Dept. of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) recently confirmed an infestation of the invasive insect known as spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula or “SLF”) in Boxford. Members of the MDAR survey team were following up on reports that came in to the MDAR pest reporting website at the end of August, and confirmed a population of spotted lanternfly adults.
Spotted lanternfly is a pest that attacks tree-of-heaven, grapevines, maple trees, hop vines, and many other types of plants. This pest is known to impact grape/wine producers and other agricultural commodities, and can also interfere with outdoor recreation if infestations reach high levels, due to the swarming behavior of adult SLF in late summer and fall. That said, the insects themselves do not bite or sting - they are a nuisance because they gather in large numbers in areas where people are, and cover anything they are on with a sticky, sugary waste product known as honeydew.
You might see surveyors (MDAR and/or USDA staff) later this growing season, checking trees in the area to determine the extent of the infestation. If you are able, we encourage you to report any sightings of this pest. You can do this by linking to www.mass.gov/slf page.
