How Harmful Are Spotted Lanternflies And What Are They Doing In Boston?

As if we need something else to keep us up at night. Now, we have eco-harmful insects showing up in larger amounts around the Boston area. They are called Spotted Lanternflies. So, the question is; How harmful are spotted Lanternflies and what are they doing in Boston?

After reading an article in Time Out Boston, here's what I've learned. Spotted lanternflies, also known as Lycorma delicatula (ok eww) are not new to our area. But, they are being found in more places around Boston. As the article states, "the invasive spotted lanternfly, which has been plaguing New York City all summer, made its way to the greater Boston area this week." Apparently, an infestation was recently found in Wellesley.

Should we be worried? According to Time Out Boston, what we need to worry about is how devastating these colorful flies can be to the ecosystem and agriculture. These pesky little buggers coat everything from grapes to maple trees and over 100 hundred other plants with a gooey waste. I'm so grossed out, aren't you? Anyway, they feed on the sap from plants leave their excrement behind and it eventually grows fungus. It's stinky, sticky and harmful, not to mention invasive.

According to Mass.Gov, The Spotted Lanternfly is "capable of spreading quickly both on its own and through accidental transport by humans." What to do, what to do?  If you see something, squish something, I guess that should be the mantra. At least that was suggested in the referenced above. They say the best way to help get rid of them is to kill them when you see them and also their eggs. It is recommended that you put the eggs in a trash bag, then douse them with alcohol to kill them before you throw that bag away, properly.  Check out this picture of the eggs on a tree.

Here's another photo of what these insects look like:

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All summer we kept hearing from experts that the fall foliage in New England would not only be delayed, but also less vibrant. I say, it's all relative. We are coming off a very green summer because of all the rain. Any little bit of color out there now just seems to make everything pop amidst the green. You can still catch some beautiful fall foliage in Massachusetts. Sure, the rain has delayed the changing of the leaves, but it's there. So, soak in the color at these 8 great spots in Massachusetts for fall foliage.

With help from Time Out Boston, Boston.com and my own personal experience,  I've complied a list of some of the best spots to submerge yourself in the shades of the season. One of the best things about Massachusetts is you can cover a lot of ground in a little amount of time because of our size. So, if you hit a spot that's past peak, find another.

Western Massachusetts and the Berkshires are always glorious in Autumn. If you find that to be slightly past peak, you may want to focus elsewhere. Try heading to the central and southern areas of the state. Walking out the door you can feel the crispness of a new day, so time to hit the road and go exploring. How lucky are we that we don't have to travel far to soak in the color at these 8 great spots in Massachusetts for fall foliage?

From cranberry bogs to downtown, hiking trails to cemeteries. We've got a lot of ground to cover. So put on your hiking boots and get out this weekend, whatever the weather may bring. And if it's following trend of the past few months, it's likely to be somewhat wet. All these spots are an easy drive from anywhere. But this could be the last weekend to see Massachusetts in full fall glory.

30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA

Run don't walk to grab this view before it's gone. I mean if you want a view, you want the highest peak, and this Western Mass gem is it. Mount Greylock is the highest point in Massachusetts. It's so massive it covers about 12,000 acres in the towns of Lanesborough, North Adams, Adams, Cheshire, Williamstown and New Ashford, Massachusetts.

139 Tremont St. Boston 

Here's a great excuse to be a tourist in Boston. The foliage at Boston Common is remarkable. It should be showing it's true colors by this weekend. The Common is filled with oak, chestnut, maple and beech trees. And what a magnificent view through the trees to the State House and it's golden dome. Plus you can grab lunch and a drink just down the street in beautiful Beacon Hill. 

580 Mt. Auburn St. Cambridge

America's first garden cemetery comes alive in autumn (pardon the pun). There is a great variety of trees in the arboretum, and of course the maples burst with bright reds this time of year. Be sure and take in the panoramic views of Boston from their 62 foot tower in the cemetery.

Located along  the riverfront of the Charles River Esplanade to the west, and just north of the Boston Common and Public Garden is where you'll find Beacon Hill and it's beautiful brownstone buildings. Likely the most charming area in Boston, it's dripping in history. Cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways make it look like something out of a movie. Acorn Street is one of the most photographed in the country. 

See it on the top right side here:

695 Hillside St. Milton

This is my neck of the woods and believe me I appreciate this lovely 7,000 acre park. We are just outside of Boston, just when you hit the trails here you feel like a million miles away, deep in the woods. That is, until you reach the top and enjoy sweeping views of beautiful Boston. The best view for autumn colors is on top of Buck Hill. It's a fairly easy hike too, about 3 miles up with trails for all levels. 

Powisset St, Dover

This stunning Dover park is part of the Trustees of the Reservation. There are trails that will lead you to through the areas woodlands and ponds. And Noanet Peak, which is a former mill site has some amazing views of Boston.  It's clearly a favorite spot for furry friends.

165 North Rd, Carlisle

Great Brook Farm State Park and the Carlisle Cranberry Bog is about 19 miles northwest of Boston and the bog features 500 acres of vibrant color. Part of it is an actual working production for cranberries. There are some trails around the bog and in the woods. The mail trail, over the dike, has the most incredible views of the cranberries at harvest time and the trees  provide some fantastic leaf peeping!

https://greatruns.com/ma-fall-foliage-great-brook-farm-carlisle-cranberry-bog/

204 Union St. Hingham

Just 25 miles south of Boston is the picturesque state park of Wompatuck, spanning 3,526 acres of forest, streams and ponds. You can stroll through 40 miles of forest trails and take in some of the most scenic views on the south shore.