PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Spotted lanternflies are entering their swarming and mating season, which is leading to increased reports of infestations around Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

12 News viewers have reported larger numbers of the invasive insects and say they've struggled to keep the bugs at bay.

Cynthia Kwolek is a scientist at the R.I. Department of Environmental Management (DEM) who coordinates the Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey. She noted that the invasive insects can be found statewide.

"We do have spotted lanternfly in all five counties, but by far the worst hit are Kent and Providence counties," Kwolek told 12 News back in August. "The population in Providence County has exponentially exploded this past summer, so that is giving us heartburn right now."

While the

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