The Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive insect that attacks grapes, apples, stone fruits, and pines, and threatens Pennsylvania and the United States.
Pennsylvanians interested in learning more about the spotted lanternfly are invited to attend any one of the 8 public meetings Southeast PA in April 2017.
The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula, is an invasive insect that was first discovered in Berks County in September 2014. The insect has the potential to destroy high-value crops, including grapes, tree fruits and hardwood lumber.
Representatives from Penn State Extension and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture will provide information regarding the eradication efforts to date and will answer questions regarding:
- Why should we be concerned?
- What is the biology and life cycle?
- How does the quarantine order affect residents?
- What can you do to help?
We are also looking for volunteers to place sticky bands on Ailanthus altissima (Tree of Heaven) throughout the summer and report how many spotted lanternflies are captured. Training and supplies will be available at these meetings.
Listing of Public Meetings on Spotted Lanternfly
Quarantine Order
In an effort to keep the insect from spreading, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has quarantined the following municipalities as of January 30, 2017:
Berks County: Amity Township, Oley Township, Rockland Township, Longswamp Township, Earl Township, Pike Township, District Township, Douglass Township, Colebrookdale Township, Washington Township, Hereford Township, Maxatawny Township, Alsace Township, Exeter Township, Richmond Township, Maidencreek Township, Centre Township, Ruscombmanor Township, Robeson Township, Union Township Topton Borough, Bally Borough, Kutztown Borough, St. Lawrence Borough, Betchelsville Borough, Fleetwood Borough, Centreport Borough, Birdsboro Borough, Lyons Borough and Boyertown Borough.
Bucks County: Milford Township, Richland Township, Haycock Township, Trumbauersville Borough, Quakertown Borough, Richlandtown Borough.
Chester County: South Coventry Township, North Coventry Township, East Coventry Township, East Vincent Township, Warwick Township, East Pikeland Township, Spring City Borough.
Lehigh County: Lower Macungie Township, Upper Macungie Township, Upper Milford, Lower Milford, Upper Saucon, Whitehall and South Whitehall Townships, Alburtis borough, Macungie borough, Bethlehem City and Allentown City.
Northampton County: Bethlehem City
Montgomery County: Douglass Township, Upper Hanover Township, New Hanover Township, West Pottsgrove Township, Lower Pottsgrove Township, Marlborough Township, and Upper Frederick Township, Upper Pottsgrove Township, Limerick Township, Upper Providence Township, Lower Frederick Township, Upper Salford Township, Green Lane Borough, East Greenville Borough, Pennsburg Borough, Red Hill Borough, Royersford Borough, Pottstown Borough.
The quarantine may be expanded to new areas as further detections of the Spotted Lanternfly are detected and confirmed. Intentional movement of the Spotted Lanternfly is expressly prohibited and is a serious offense. Violations could result in criminal or civil penalties and/or fines.
Spotted lanternflies have been found in wooded areas and residential landscapes, especially where there are tree-of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) trees. Intentional movement of any of the life stages of the spotted lanternfly is prohibited.
The quarantine order, which has been supported by the affected communities, means that any item that could hold any life stage of this insect may not be moved outside the quarantined area without inspection and compliance. This includes firewood, vehicles, outdoor household items and any items stored outside during the fall, as well as building materials and plants or plant parts.