CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) is not just a concern to agricultural and horticultural professionals, this invasive insect poses significant quality-of-life frustrations for all residents. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) quarantine order regulations are in place to prevent SLF from being spread by people and directs citizens to follow guidelines to prevent the movement of the pest at any stage of development.
All residents and businesses must comply with the regulations, and PDA has the authority to fine anyone who willfully violates the quarantine order. To protect neighbors and communities, the agriculture industry and Pennsylvania’s business vitality, everyone needs to be aware of best practices to avoid spreading SLF and to utilize these practices in their daily activities.
The quarantine prohibits the movement of any living life stage of the insect pest, including eggs, nymphs, adults and regulates the movement of any article that may harbor the insect facilitating movement.
An SLF permit is required for all businesses, agencies, and organizations, agricultural and non-agricultural, working within the quarantine, which move regulated articles, such as products, vehicles and other conveyances, within or from the quarantine. A permit is also required to move regulated articles into any part of PA from areas with established SLF populations.
The permit process requires managers or supervisors to complete the permit course to demonstrate understanding and a working knowledge of the pest and quarantine requirements. After successful completion of the permit course, that person is considered a trainer and will be responsible for training all employees on what to look for and how to safeguard against moving SLF. The permit process ensures businesses are trained to inspect regulated articles, any item that may harbor SLF such as products, packaging, vehicles, and other conveyances, for SLF living life stages prior to transport.
Information for online and in-person permit training is available from Penn State Extension.
Questions regarding spotted lanternfly identification and management can be directed to the Franklin County Extension Office at 717-263-9226.
Detailed questions regarding permitting for quarantine compliance can be directed to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture at 717-787-4737.
–Penn State Extension
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