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Spotted lanternfly nymphs reported in Newington; town offers reporting form and homeowner removal tips
Summary
Commissioners and staff urged residents to report spotted lanternfly sightings via the town form and described a soapy-water spray homeowners can use; parks and recreation crews removed volunteer host trees on town property and will respond to submitted reports.
Chairman Selleck said he has "been battling the spotted lanternfly nymphs in my backyard," reporting clusters on raspberry and apple plants and on a town-owned 'tree of heaven' near local paths. He told the commission he submitted a forms-based report to the town manager's office and that parks and recreation grounds staff responded by removing the identified host tree and destroying the nymphs.
Commissioner (Speaker 6) asked about risks and the chair replied the insect is invasive and "will destroy fruit trees" and can damage commercial hardwoods. Selleck walked through practical homeowner steps for removal, offering a spray recipe: "1 quart of water, 0.25 cup of dish detergent, and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil" in a hand sprayer, which he said quickly immobilizes nymphs. He encouraged residents to file the town form if they spot clusters so parks staff can follow up on public property; staff also posted guidance on the Recreation and Parks web page with a link to DEP resources.
