Quarantine area expands for Spotted Lanternfly
(Harrisburg) — The quarantine area is being expanded for an invasive insect species relatively new to the Keystone State.
The Spotted Lanternfly is an inch-long black, red and white spotted insect which was initially detected in Pennsylvania during the fall of 2014.
Dana Rhodes is Plant Regulatory Official with the state Department of Agriculture. She says the Spotted Lanternfly is an agricultural pest.
“Our biggerst concern is for grapes and our hardwoods. That is our biggest concern, that they will hurt the production for any of our fruit trees and grapes,” Rhodes said.
Six municipalities in Berks, Lehigh and Montgomery counties have been added to the quarantine area which also includes portions of Bucks and Chester counties.
People in those areas are advised to be on the lookout for signs of the insects and their eggs.
For more information go online to agriculture.pa.gov.
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