Spotted lanternfly populations have 'exploded' in RI, DEM warns

Spotted lanternfly populations have 'exploded' in RI, DEM warns

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — It's been four years since the first spotted lanternfly was discovered in Rhode Island. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has uncovered a number of infestations statewide since then, and expects more populations to pop up over time. The spotted lanternfly can be extremely destructive, according to the DEM, since it targets a wide variety of plants, trees and crops. Even though the spotte…