ODA issues statewide quarantine for invasive spotted lanternfly

OHIO — The Ohio Department of Agriculture issued a statewide quarantine for the invasive spotted lanternfly on Tuesday. 

Previously, just 18 Ohio counties were under the quarantine. Now, all 88 counties are included. 

Spotted lanternflies, native to Asia, tend to be beautiful, colorful creatures, but they’re toxic for the environment. They feed on the sap of more than 70 plant species, which can cause plants to die. Additionally, they excrete a substance called honeydue that promotes mold growth, according the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

ODA said the spotted lanternfly is especially a concern for Ohio’s grape and wine industry. The industry contributes $6 billion in economic activity each year, and the spotted lanternfly could threaten it. The insect was first found in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in 2014, and ODA said it’s likely it came over through imported goods. 

Under the statewide quarantine, trees and nursery stock can’t be moved out of Ohio without a compliance agreement, permit or inspection certificate, according to ODA. Additionally, producers who ship those products to non-regulated areas must have stock inspected, as well as have a certificate showing their product is free of spotted lanternflies. 

ODA is no longer asking Ohioans to report sightings of the inspect. Instead, it asks Ohioans to read the recommendation guide for treatment methods if spotted lanternflies are on your property. 

“The spotted lanternfly is an invasive pest that is known to cause harm to Ohio’s agricultural industry,” ODA Director Brian Baldridge said. “ODA is committed to protecting and preserving our plant life, and plant health experts are working with nurseries and wineries to reduce the negative impact of SLF.” 

More information on the spotted lanternfly can be found here.