• By Mary Jac Brennan
• Posted Thursday, July 11, 2019

Look out for Spotted Lanternfly

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Plant Industry Division is asking travelers to several northeastern states to take precautions against the spread of the highly destructive Spotted Lanternfly this summer. “If your summer travel plans have you driving through Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware or New Jersey, please review the Spotted Lanternfly quarantine map and do your part to prevent bringing the pest to our state” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “This invasive pest poses a significant threat to our $91.8 billion agriculture industry.”

First found in eastern Pennsylvania in 2014, spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive insect pest that has now spread to New York, Delaware, and Virginia. While it has not yet been found in North Carolina, it is believed to be heading our way and early detection will be critical in stopping its spread and minimizing the devastating effect it could have on landscapes, communities, businesses and agricultural crops, particularly grapevines, fruit trees, and a wide range of hardwood trees.

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture has issued a press release with recommendations for anyone driving through northern Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and New York of how to help protect our state’s agriculture interests from the Spotted Lanternfly pest. If you plan to visit any of the indicated northeastern states in which Spotted Lanternfly has been found, it is recommended you thoroughly wash and inspect your vehicles before leaving. Also, do not move firewood. All life stages of Spotted Lanternfly can hitchhike, but the eggs and adults pose the greatest risk for movement. In northern states, adults can lay their eggs on any outdoor flat surfaces from July to December.

For more information on current counties that are under quarantine, please visit:

Read more at: https://gardening.ces.ncsu.edu/spotted-lanternfly-resource-page/

To download a PEST WATCH FACT SHEET Click HERE

Photo by Richard Gardner, Bugwood.org.