The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is sharing the following information with cities and Towns with known infestations of the invasive insect known as spotted lanternfly (SLF), to raise awareness that spotted lanternfly egg masses have begun hatching in across the State. According to the MDAR, Spotted lanternfly was confirmed in Dedham in 2025.

Top view of spotted lantern fly with open wings (Adobe stock)

According to the MDAR, at the time of this update, the SLF egg mass hatch is expected to continue over the next few weeks, meaning that there is still time for anyone with unhatched egg masses on their property to scrape them off of surfaces and crush the eggs (guide with instructions linked below.)

To help better understand the steps you can take to protect you and your property from SLF and egg masses, the MDAR has developed the following resources:

• A post on the MDRA pest blog about egg mass hatch
• Animated spotted lanternfly videos (available in English, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese)
• A SLF Management Guide, now available in 12 languages!
• The current SLF map for Massachusetts

Quick Read: Check out the following list from the MDAR of four things to know about the spotted lanternfly (SLF):

1. SLF is an invasive pest that can harm agriculture and make it unpleasant to be outside
2.  SLF does not bite, sting, or otherwise harm people or pets
3. If you are in an area with a known infestation of SLF:
   • Check your property for SLF and its favorite host plants, tree-of-heaven and grape
   • Consider setting up traps, hiring someone to treat for SLF, or whether removing the tree-of-heaven on your property is possible
4. If you see SLF outside of a known infested area, take a picture and click the “Report” button at https://www.mass.gov/slf (Not sure? Check this map: https://bit.ly/SLFDashboard)