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| Photo by Greg Hoover |
This is the time of year when
adult emergence of Spotted Lanternfly will be visible within the 13 county
quarantine area. A high level of vigilance is required by everyone that works
and/or travels into and out of the quarantine zone.
As many of you are aware, the
spotted lanternfly (SLF) is a new invasive insect that was first discovered in
the US in Berks County in 2014. It has since spread throughout 13 counties in
southeastern PA, which the PA Department of Agriculture (PDA) has designated as
a SLF quarantine zone.
Because this is the first
population of the SLF outside Asia, it’s difficult to assess the magnitude of
the threat that SLF presents, but it is potentially the worst introduced insect
pest since the gypsy moth nearly 150 years ago. From what we know, the SLF is a
significant threat to PA agriculture, including grapes and tree-fruit
(where heavy damage has already been recorded), landscape nurseries, and the hardwood
industries, which collectively are worth nearly $18 billion to the state's
economy. In addition, this insect threatens outdoor recreation, backyard
enjoyment, and biodiversity.
It is everyone’s responsibility to
use “best practices” when entering and/or leaving the quarantine zone. This is
no different than using biosecurity practices for human or animal diseases.
Failure to follow best practices could result in the pest being moved into new
habitat leading to additional economic impacts to the state of Pennsylvania.
We all must take the quarantine seriously.
Please review the below
resources provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and Penn State Extension:
Before moving between
quarantined sites or leaving the quarantine zone:
- Check yourself before getting into the vehicle to make sure no Spotted Lanternfly nymphs or adults have attached themselves to you
- Check any piece of equipment or item that you will be transporting that has been outdoors in the quarantine area.
- Do not park under trees.
- Keep your windows rolled up at all times.
- Before moving between sites within the quarantine area or leaving the quarantine zone, walk around your vehicle and check closely for any adults and/or nymphs; particularly check in the windshield wiper area, bumpers and around the wheel wells. In fall and winter, also look for egg masses.
- A quick check of the engine compartment would be beneficial.
- If you have time and opportunity, a quick high pressure car wash would be ideal before leaving the quarantine area.
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