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.
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 our e-newsletter, The Spotted Lanternflyer, view and read previous Spotted Lanternflyer newsletters in our Archive, or visit our Resources page for the latest news and updates.
Contractors: How to Get Involved
The SLF Order of Quarantine and Treatment affects residents and businesses across the commonwealth. Visit the SLF Quarantine & Permitting page to understand how to be compliant and for the most up-to-date quarantine information and maps.
Businesses Role in Spotted Lanternfly Mitigation
Businesses also play an important role. 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. Business 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.