Overview
- Massachusetts reported confirmed infestations in more than 145 cities and towns on Wednesday, and state agricultural officials urged residents to kill adults and destroy egg masses as egg-laying begins.
- Michigan authorities confirmed a population in Berrien County, adding to detections in several other counties and prompting grower outreach and localized management advice.
- The insects feed on the sap of many plants, produce sticky honeydew that leads to sooty mold, and can stress high-value crops such as grapes, hops and apple trees when populations are high.
- Agencies are urging simple public actions to slow spread: inspect vehicles and outdoor goods before travel, scrape and destroy egg masses, vacuum adults, remove preferred host plants, and report sightings to state tools.
- State, federal and extension groups are coordinating targeted monitoring and treatments to protect vulnerable agricultural areas while prioritizing limited resources and border surveillance.