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Spotted Lanternfly in PA

 

The Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White), an invasive planthopper was discovered in Berks County in 2014. The pest is native to China, India, Japan, Vietnam, and introduced to Korea where it is a pest. This pest attacks many hosts including grapes, apple, pines, stone fruits, and Tree of Heaven and has the potential to greatly impact the grape, fruit tree, and logging industries. It is also reducing the quality of life for people living in heavily infested areas.

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Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine

Spotted Lanternfly was first discovered in Berks County in the fall of 2014.  Since its discovery the pest has moved into numerous counties.  Accordingly the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has issued a quarantine.  As additional sightings are confirmed, the quarantine area will be expanded.

On May 26, 2018, an updated Spotted Lanternfly Order of Quarantine and Treatment was published in the PA Bulletin. The quarantine is in place to stop the movement of Spotted Lanternfly to new areas within or out of the current quarantine zone and to slow its spread within the quarantine. The quarantine affects a variety of vehicles and other conveyances, plant, wood, and stone products. The general quarantine restricts movement of any material or object that can spread the pest. This includes firewood or wood products, brush or yard waste, remodeling or construction materials and waste, packing material like boxes, grapevines for decorative purposes or as nursery stock, and any outdoor household articles like lawnmowers, grills, tarps and any other equipment, trucks or vehicles not stored indoors.

If you travel in or out of the quarantine area your business is required to have a Spotted Lanternfly permit. You must have a permit to move equipment and goods within and out of the zone.  So even if your business is not located in the quarantine zone and you deliver to that zone or provide services in that zone, you must have a permit to enter, then leave, that zone. Criminal and civil penalties of up to $20,000 and prison time can be imposed for violations by businesses or individuals.

Working with PDA, Penn State Extension created an online course for companies to receive training and permits as needed. You can find the link to the course at https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly-permit-training

The Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association (PLNA) is the leading trade association representing Pennsylvania's $6.8 billion green industry. Its member landscape contractors, retail garden centers, wholesale nurseries and greenhouses produce outdoor living environments that improve economic value, air quality, water quality and human health.