Pennsylvania Spotted Lanternfly Program
In 2014, Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) was first confirmed in Pennsylvania in Berks County.
Today, counties across Pennsylvania are under the quarantine as the PA Department of Agriculture (PDA) works with federal, state, local and non-governmental cooperators to slow the spread and minimize the damage caused by this pest.
Our Work to Slow Spotted Lanternfly Spread
PDA has funded efforts in five main areas: survey programs for detection and monitoring of the insect, implementing control methods and quarantine measures to slow the spread, research for better understanding of the pest, and public outreach to raise awareness.
Survey Programs
Visual surveys are conducted across the Commonwealth to identify and monitor populations of SLF. These surveys are completed by PDA and USDA staff, and are greatly assisted by public reporters utilizing the SLF Public Reporting Tool to log sightings of the invasive insect across the state. PDA and USDA survey staff also utilize circle traps for detection in low-population areas.
Control Methods
Utilizing data from visual surveys, PDA staff plan treatments that focus on high-risk pathways for long distance movement of spotted lanternfly. The insect is an excellent hitchhiker and can hold onto vehicles moving at highway speeds. PDA therefore focuses treatment methods at locations that have the highest risk of transporting SLF, utilizing systemic and contact insecticide treatments to knock down and suppress populations, thus decreasing the risk of spread. PDA encourages property owners to learn how they can best control spotted lanternfly on their property by visiting with our partners at Penn State Extension and learning about the various management methods available to you.
The Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) Program hires qualified contractors to assist with tree of heaven (TOH) treatment and insecticide applications. If you are interested in working with the program, review the information on becoming an approved vendor here.
Research
PDA funds research at universities across the commonwealth to learn more about the spotted lanternfly and its biology and preferences, to determine pesticide effectiveness, and to devise better methods for survey and control.
Public Outreach
PDA has partnered with USDA and Penn State University to bring a united and consistent message to raise awareness of spotted lanternfly to everyone in Pennsylvania. Public outreach takes many forms, including the creation and printing of management guides and handouts, radio and television advertisements, billboards and social media outreach, and community outreach with partners at various levels of government and civic groups.
Sign up for spotted lanternfly news, updates, and alerts at the Penn State Extension SLF website.
Businesses Role in Spotted Lanternfly Mitigation
Businesses play an important role in slowing SLF spread. Business owners should incorporate SLF control into their vegetation management plans and work to minimize the possibility of this insect hitching a ride on vehicles or in products. Best management practices, permit information, regional information and resources are available on the Businesses page. Businesses that travel or ship within or from the quarantine area are required to obtain an SLF Permit. To determine if you need a permit and learn how to obtain one, visit the Do I Need a Permit and Permit Frequently Asked Questions pages.