EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — It's been four years since the first spotted lanternfly was discovered in Rhode Island.

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has uncovered a number of infestations statewide since then, and expects more populations to pop up over time.

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.

Cynthia Kwolek, the DEM's Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey coordinator, t

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