By now, we all know what destruction the Spotted Lanternfly can bring to our agricultural commodities and the affect it has on quality of life.
So far, more than $34 million has been invested to slow the spread of SLF in PA. Since 2015 the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has been awarded over $20 million in federal funding and, in addition, contributed $14 million in state funding, bringing the department’s spending for Spotted Lanternfly to a total of $34 million. This amount does not include direct spending by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, funding provided directly to universities, other commonwealth agency funding, or any additional funds spent by surrounding states and/or private organizations.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA), Penn State Cooperative Extension, and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have created a taskforce that has undertaken concerted efforts to control this invasive species.
So, what's everyone's role in this fight?
PDA
- Managing Treatment on high-risk properties within the Quarantine
- Managing Business Permitting
- Conducting Statewide Survey
- Investigating Reports Outside of Quarantine
USDA
- Targeting Control on High-Risk Properties to Reduce Spread
- Conducting Statewide Survey
- Investigating Reports Outside of Quarantine
- Providing Similar Support to Other Affected States
Penn State Extension
- Conducting Research on SLF Biology and Behavior
- Developing Control Strategies
- Educating the Public, Growers, and Local Leaders on SLF Management
- Managing the Reporting Page and SLF Hotline (888-422-3359)
What Happens After You Report a Sighting of SLF?
The partnership is aware of infestation in the quarantine zone, but continued reporting allows us to track movement within the quarantine. So, if you're located inside the quarantine area, start by visiting the
Penn State Extension website to report your sighting and to find out how to manage lanternflies on your own property.
If you're located outside of the quarantine, you will be contacted by the PDA or USDA to discuss your find, and a crew may request to visit the reporting site to survey for additional insects.
An important note…
PDA, USDA, and Penn State Extension are working hard to control this pest, but we can't do it without your help.
By reporting any sightings, scraping egg masses, and controlling trees on your own property, we will be better positioned for future success. Look before you leave an infested area, and make sure that you don’t carry SLF with you to new places.
We encourage residents to report a sighting online at
https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly or by calling 1-888-4BAD-FLY. On this website, you will find information on how to manage this pest on your property or business.