SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - It’s once again lanternfly season in Massachusetts. If you haven’t seen them yet, experts say it’s only a matter of time. We’re talking about spotted lanternfly egg masses, which are already appearing across the region. Western Mass News spoke to a pest control service company in Agawam and shared what you need to know before the bugs start flying.

“Depending on what area you’re in, if there haven’t been reported sightings of them in that area, you definitely should report them to the state,” spotted lanternfly season is here — a full month earlier than last year. American Pest Solutions General Manager Jordan Russell told Western Mass News the current heat wave is partially to blame, “as those temperatures continue to rise and stay steady, those eggs and those spotted lanternflies are going to start popping out, and people are going to see them and notice them that haven’t noticed them prior.”

Spotted lanternflies are invasive insects that feed on trees and plants. While they do not directly harm humans, they can cause major damage to crops, certain trees, and landscaping.

Last year’s season began around June, with the commonwealth seeing more sightings compared to the previous year. The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources confirmed sightings in more than 50 cities and towns in 2025. Russell expects even more sightings this year.

Last summer, our cameras caught dozens of lanternflies covering our own station’s satellite dishes. As soon as last week, our cameras captured multiple egg masses popping up on one of them again.

“If left alone, the populations can grow very rapidly. They can be much harder to control over time as the populations continue to expand,” if you happen to find lanternfly egg masses anywhere, Russell says there are ways to deal with them, “egg masses can be scraped into rubbing alcohol or soapy water. If you see live lanternflies, try to eliminate them, vacuum them up, or call the professionals.”

His biggest message to homeowners right now: remain aware, “just keep an eye out. Look at your trees, take a quick walk through your yard, and make sure that you don’t see them. They’re pretty easy to spot. They have these big red colors on their wings.”

If you spot them, Russell said don’t hesitate to contact a pest control service company or MDAR.

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