State Urges Residents to Report Signs of Invasive Spotted Lanternfly

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BOSTON, Mass. — The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) announced that it has identified two dead specimens of the spotted lanternfly (SLF) in communities, and is urging residents to report any sign of the invasive pest. 
 
The specimens were recovered in the towns of Milford and Norwood and were brought into Massachusetts on materials shipped from Pennsylvania counties currently under a spotted lanternfly quarantine.
 
Additionally, MDAR was recently notified that nursery stock with spotted lanternfly egg masses and adults may have been unintentionally imported and planted in several parts of Massachusetts.
 
MDAR is urging anyone who has received goods or materials, such as plants, landscaping materials, or outdoor furniture, from a state with a known SLF infestation to carefully check the materials, including any packaging, for signs of spotted lanternfly. Currently, there are known introductions of SLF in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.
 
If any indication of SLF is found, residents should take a photo or collect the specimen, and report any potential sightings of the pest using MDAR’s online reporting form. Residents should look for large, gray insects, about one inch long, with black spots and red underwings, or inch-long, rectangular yellowish-brown egg masses covered with a gray waxy coating. Egg masses may be found on any flat surface.
 
"These most recent finds call attention to the fact that there are many ways that spotted lanternfly can travel here from other states," MDAR Commissioner John Lebeaux said. "Early detection plays an important role in the protection of our state’s economic and ecological resources from invasive species, and we ask anyone who may have received shipments of wood, ornamental plants, or any other materials from Pennsylvania or other Northeastern states to help protect the natural resources and agricultural industries of Massachusetts by checking for and reporting any signs of spotted lanternfly."
 
Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula, "SLF") is an invasive sap-feeding insect from Asia that was first found in the United States in 2014, in the state of Pennsylvania. While the main host plant of this pest is tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima), spotted lanternfly attacks a variety of trees, shrubs, and vines, and has the potential to impact a broad range of agricultural commodities, including apples, peaches, grapes/wine, maple syrup, as well as the ornamental nursery industry.
 
As many families across the Commonwealth spend more time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic and are undertaking activities to improve their outdoor spaces such as gardening, Massachusetts has seen an increase in purchase of items such as outdoor furniture, play structures, gazebos, as well as trees and shrubs for landscaping. When shipped from areas with SLF infestations, these products, and the vehicles used for transportation, can unintentionally carry the pest into new areas.
 
Because no live lanternflies have yet been found in Massachusetts, there is currently no evidence that SLF has become established in the Commonwealth. As a precaution, surveys are planned in the areas where the insects were found, to confirm that no live populations are present. While a dead lanternfly was previously found in the Boston area, in December of 2018, repeated surveys have found no further signs of SLF in that part of the state.
 

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Front Porch Feature: Cape With Ample Opportunities

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

The home is located at 387 North St. 

DALTON, Mass. — This sweet renovated Cape on a generous corner lot is a perfect starter home, or a great pick for downsizing or sharing with mom. 

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County.

This week, we are discussing a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home built in 1940. The first floor has an eat-in kitchen and a living room, plus a bedroom, bathroom, and laundry. there are two more bedrooms, kitchen and a large bathroom upstairs.

The house is 1,676 square feet on 0.15 acres, with an unfinished basement and a garage. It comes with a washer and dryer, refrigerator, range, and microwave. The asking price is $324,000.

We spoke to Jessica Rizzo from Lamacchia Realty Inc., which is handling the property.

What do you think makes this house stand out in the current market?

Rizzo: Property features a second kitchen upstairs, which makes a great option for multigenerational families. 

Do you know any unique stories about the home or its history?

Rizzo: I know the previous owner lived there for many years and raised several children in the home. The property used to feature an indoor pool outback.

What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space? 

Rizzo: There’s plenty of space for a large family. 

What kind of buyer do you see this home being perfect for? 

Rizzo: Buyers with a few kids or someone looking for an in-law suite. 

Are there any standout design features or recent renovations?

Rizzo: Recent updates include new roof, fenced in yard and shed. 

What was your first impression when you walked into this home? 

Rizzo: This home offers great space and an awesome entertaining area with a large covered space outback.

What kind of neighborhood is it?

Rizzo: Property is conveniently located near schools, churches, and the community center.

You can find out more about this house on its listing.

*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.

 

 
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