United States Department of Agriculture
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Businesses Can Help Stop the Spotted Lanternfly
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Businesses Can Help Stop the Spotted Lanternfly
The spotted lanternfly, an invasive pest, could cause economic impacts if allowed to spread. It has been found in southeast Pennsylvania and threatens nearby states. Lumber, grapes and hops industries are particularly at risk because spotted lanternfly likes to feed on these plants. This pest spreads easily by hitchhiking on vehicles or laying its eggs on most any flat surface – like the sides of box cars, propane tanks and equipment stored outside. Here’s how you can help.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Know Your Zones: The spotted lanternfly is quarantined in several Eastern states, so drivers who travel through these areas need to be extra careful that they aren't moving this pest. Check with your state agricultural department for quarantine information.
If your business operates in or near an infested area, or if you receive shipments from an infested area:
- Check Your Vehicle: Before leaving a parking lot or work site, inspect vehicles for spotted lanternfly egg or insects. Check doors, sides, bumpers, wheel wells, grills, and roofs. If found, destroy any eggs or insects you find.
- Inspect Items Being Moved: Check shipping containers, propane tanks, pallets and other items being stored outdoors before they are moved off-site. Inspect incoming goods for egg masses and insects.
- Park with Windows Closed: The spotted lanternfly and its nymphs can enter vehicles unsuspectedly. When parked, make sure to keep windows closed. If possible, try to park 15 feet away from trees if in a quarantine zone.
- Remove and Destroy Pests: Crush nymphs and adult insects. Scrape egg masses into a plastic bag containing hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol to kill them. Treatment information can be found through PennState Extension or your local cooperative extension service
- Remove Host Trees: Spotted lanternflies prefer the ailanthus tree, also known as “Tree of Heaven.” Try to remove trees from the business property to avoid attracting spotted lanternfly.
- Report Sightings: In Pennsylvania, contact the Penn State Extension program. Outside Pennsylvania, contact your state agricultural department to report sightings outside of quarantined zones. If possible, take a picture or capture the insect in alcohol.
- Comply with Permitting: Businesses operating in quarantine zones must have permits to move equipment and goods.
Visit Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture for more information about permits.
DOWNLOADABLE MATERIALS FOR BUSINESSES
Use the following free materials to alert your team about the spotted lanternfly and how they can help stop it.
- Poster, 10"x13" – Email to company members and post where truck drivers/delivery personnel can see it.
- Truck Driver Checklist, 8.5" x 11", double-sided, laminate, 3-hole punch on left-hand side – Ask drivers to refer to the checklist every time before leaving your site.
- Employee Parking Lot Sign, 24"x 18", double-sided, 30" H-stakes – Post at parking lot exits to remind drivers to check their trucks.
- Truck Bumper Sticker/Signs, 2.74" x 8.25"– Show the public your support of spotted lanternfly control efforts.
- Window Sign, 4" x 4" – Use this in a retail window to show your support.
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