Quarantine Expansion
On March 10, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced that eight counties have been added to Pennsylvania’s Spotted Lanternfly quarantine zone ahead of the 2021 spring hatch. With this addition, the quarantine for this invasive pest is now at 34 counties.
The new eight counties are not completely infested, but rather have a few municipalities with a known infestation.
Cambria, Cameron, Franklin, Lackawanna, Montour, Pike, Wayne, and Westmoreland are new to the quarantine for 2021.
Read more about the PDA Quarantine Expansion in the official Press Release.
It’s Time to Begin Inspections
If you suspended inspections during the winter months, April 1st marks the day to begin inspections for the year.
- Inspections should be completed before:
- Moving vehicles, goods, etc. within or from the quarantine
- Entering PA from another area that has an SLF population
- Documentation is required and must:
- Identify the person conducting the inspection
- Demonstrate an inspection was performed to prevent spread of the pest
- The control measures taken if live SLF were found (e.g. destruction of SLF)
- There is no required template for vehicle inspections.
- If possible, incorporate SLF inspections into existing activities, such as daily inspections or safety checks, rather than keeping additional logs.
- Examples of inspection logs can be found on the PDA SLF Business web page.
- Electronic records are acceptable if you can make them available during a verification checkpoint or audit.
- Check out the program FAQs for more details.
What you need to know about SLF Permits
All Pennsylvania SLF permit holders should have a permit with an 11-digit permit number preceded by PA, e.g. PA-20190400045. If you have not received a permit in this format (pictured below), email .
Permit FAQs
Can I get replacement hangtags or decals?
- PDA will issue a new permit in the format described above. We no longer issue hangtags or decals.
When does my permit expire?
- Permits do not have expiration dates.
Do I need to renew?
- No. If you have a permit in the format described above, no further action is needed.
Do I have to retake the permit course and exam?
- You do not need to re-take the permit course.
Seasonal Control Steps
This insect is easily moved if no one is looking. How do you prevent spreading SLF this season?
Step 1: Know the life stages of the insect and when to look for them.
Egg masses are present now.
Nymphs will hatch in May.
Step 2: Inspect materials and vehicles
- Inspect vehicles, trailers and items stored outdoors before movement within or from the quarantine.
- Inspect goods (including packing materials) prior to transport or sale.
Step 3: Destroy any you find.
- Watch: How To Remove Spotted Lanternfly Eggs
- Use Penn State Extension’s management resources to safely manage SLF.
Spring the (Circle) Trap!
Warm spring weather is just around the corner, and that means Spotted Lanternfly nymphs will begin hatching. This typically happens around mid-May, so there’s still time for two important projects – scraping egg masses and getting your circle traps ready.
Egg masses can literally be anywhere, as the adult lanternfly are pretty sneaky! Good places to look are on trees along the edges of forested land, on wooden or metal posts, the underside of patio furniture and in the wheel wells of vehicles that might not have moved over winter.
Remember that every egg mass you scrape removes 30-50 lanternfly from the population!
Another good project while the winter winds keep us indoors is to repair or build new circle traps!
Circle traps are both more effective at catching lanternfly, and safer for the wildlife in your backyard, than sticky tape. Best of all, it’s a lot less work (and much less gross) than the sticky bands and tape of old. No more getting your fingers and hair stuck to the glue – just put the circle trap up once and replace the bag every few weeks!
Directions can be found here and a quick trip to your local hardware store can provide all the materials you’ll need. Circle traps can also be purchased directly from Great Lakes IPM.
Trapping Triumph
As a Conservation Specialist, Janet Creegan faces the task of fighting large spotted lanternfly populations in Northampton County. Last year, Janet’s team added traps from Great Lakes IPM to the county’s pest management program. The traps were put into use beginning in July on maple, broadleaf magnolia, and ornamental cherry trees at a heavily infested nursing home complex.
Insects crawled into the traps as they were being installed with several hundred collected in the first hour! Thousands of insects were removed over the second half of the year. Janet observed a marked decrease in the population and a reduction of the number of egg masses in fall and winter.
To help others realize similar population reductions, Janet shared information, instructions and supplies with other county departments, local townships and residents. She also had educational signs made to accompany traps on trees to promote SLF awareness. This summer, Janet and her team plan to expand their control work by installing traps on poles near the buildings in the complex, as many SLF climb them. We’re excited to hear how that goes!
Need more information?
PA Quarantine & Business Info
or 717-787-5674
Regional SLF Info
Regional information is available on the PDA Businesses page
Mid-Atlantic States’ Spotted Lanternfly Contacts (PDF)
Report, Identify, Manage
1-888-4BAD-FLY (1-888-422-3359)
