BOSTON (WPRI) — Spotted lanternflies are an invasive species that continue to spread in Southern New England, posing a threat to both natural ecosystems and farms.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the insects are native to southern China, Vietnam and Taiwan. The lanternflies were first detected in the United States in Pennsylvania back in 2014. They spread to Massachusetts around 2020.

Since then, the infestations have only grown.

On Wednesday, the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture and Resources (MDAR) announced that spotted lanternflies have now been confirmed in more than 50 cities and towns in nine different counties. Attleboro, North Attleboro, Seekonk, Plainville and Blackstone are among the communities where they've been found.

While the bugs don't pose a th

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