Spotted Lanternflies in RI: Not as Dangerous as Feared

The Spread of Spotted Lanternflies in Rhode Island

In the heart of Providence, a black walnut tree stood among other scruffy trees near a highway off-ramp and the North Burial Ground. To the untrained eye, it looked like any other tree. But for Noah Tennison, a spotted lanternfly response coordinator with the state Department of Environmental Management (DEM), this tree was a sign of an ongoing issue. He pointed up at the branches, which were crawling with spotted lanternflies— invasive insects that first appeared in Rhode Island four years ago and have since spread across all five counties.

Cynthia Kwolek, a senior environmental scientist with the DEM, confirmed the widespread presence of these pests. While she was referring to a small patch of land next to Interstate 95, her words could just as easily describe a larger area stretching from Warwick into Cranston, west to Johnston and Smithfield, and north to Providence, Pawtucket, and Cumberland. These regions are at the epicenter of the infestation, which began when the insects, native to China, arrived in the U.S. via a stone shipment in 2012.

The Movement of Invasive Species

Spotted lanternflies don’t fly, but they have found ways to move long distances. They are part of a group of insects known as planthoppers, related to stinkbugs and cicadas. Their movement is facilitated by transportation networks such as highways and railways. Early invaders in Rhode Island may have hitched rides on buses from New York or other states where the bugs were already present. Some may have even laid egg masses on the undersides of vehicles.

The nearby rail line that runs parallel to I-95 has also played a role in their spread. Alongside the highway, the tree of heaven—a Chinese invasive species that serves as the lanternfly’s preferred food source—has created ideal conditions for the insects to thrive. From there, they have moved into residential areas, including the leafy surroundings of the North Burial Ground.

Impact on Agriculture and Local Communities

Despite the widespread presence of spotted lanternflies, the situation in Rhode Island hasn’t been as severe as initially feared. Unlike other invasive species such as the emerald ash borer or the tiny worm affecting beech trees, lanternflies aren’t killing native trees. However, they can cause damage in agricultural areas, particularly vineyards and orchards.

A 2020 study in Pennsylvania estimated annual losses of $50 million in the agricultural sector due to lanternflies, with projections of much higher figures under worst-case scenarios. In Rhode Island, the insects have been found at one vineyard in Johnston, but early detection prevented significant harm. According to Tennison, the infestation likely came from a visitor who unknowingly brought the bugs in on their car.

Orchards and pick-your-own farms are also at risk. While lanternflies may not kill fruit-bearing plants, they can reduce fruit production by siphoning sap and depleting energy stores. Additionally, their sticky waste, called honeydew, can deter visitors from picking fruits.

Efforts to Control the Infestation

The DEM has taken the problem seriously, creating a dedicated position for Tennison after he completed a six-month internship with the agency. During his internship, he helped destroy thousands of egg masses by scraping them off trees and structures. With hundreds of daily calls about lanternflies, the need for a full-time coordinator became clear.

The situation is further complicated by the Trump administration’s reduction of staff at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which previously had four lanternfly technicians in Southern New England. Now, only one remains.

Natural and Human Interventions

One reason the lanternfly infestation may not be as damaging as once feared is the presence of natural predators. University of Rhode Island entomologist Lisa Tewksbury noted that beetles, praying mantises, birds, and other predators may be helping to control the population. Human efforts, such as early intervention by the DEM, may also be playing a role.

Biological controls are also being explored. Researchers at the Biological Control Lab at the University of Rhode Island, led by Tewksbury, are investigating the use of a parasitic wasp native to China that lays its eggs in young lanternflies. Trials are nearing completion, and approval for use is expected within a couple of years.

Ongoing Challenges

Despite these efforts, eradication remains difficult. Tennison emphasized that every action counts, and the DEM continues to urge people to kill any lanternflies they find. The agency is also working with pest control companies to spray areas with heavy infestations.

As the insects begin to appear in Rhode Island, their life cycle includes four nymph stages before becoming adults. Adults will start laying egg masses in the fall, marking the beginning of a new cycle. For now, the fight against the spotted lanternfly continues, with scientists and officials working tirelessly to contain the spread.