Spotted lanternfly meeting planned
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has quarantined several municipalities
Pennsylvanians interested in learning more about the spotted lanternfly are invited to a public meeting in Berks County on Oct. 27. The event will take place from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Goodwill Fire Company,
537 Chestnut Street in Bally.
The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula, is an invasive insect that was first discovered in Berks County in September 2014. The insect has the potential to destroy high-value crops, including grapes, tree fruits and hardwood lumber.
Representatives from Penn State Extension, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the United States Department of Agriculture and Kutztown University will provide information regarding the eradication efforts to date and will answer questions regarding the related quarantine order.
In an effort to keep the insect from spreading, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has quarantined the following municipalities as of Sept. 13, 2016:
• Berks County: Alsace, Amity, Colebrookdale, Douglass, District, Douglass, Earl, Exeter, Hereford, Longswamp, Oley, Maxatawny, Pike, Rockland and Washington townships and the boroughs of Bally, Bechtelsville, Boyertown, Kutztown, Lyons, St. Lawrence and Topton.
• Bucks County: Milford Township and Trumbauersville Borough.
• Chester County: South Coventry Township.
• Lehigh County: Lower Macungie, Upper Macungie and Upper Milford townships, and the boroughs of Alburtis, Emmaus and Macungie.
• Montgomery County: Douglass, New Hanover, Upper Hanover and West Pottsgrove townships and the boroughs of East Greenville, Pennsburg and Red Hill.
Spotted lanternflies have been found in wooded areas and residential landscapes, especially where there are tree-of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) trees. Intentional movement of any of the life stages of the spotted lanternfly is prohibited.
The quarantine order, which has been supported by the affected communities, means that any item that could hold any life stage of this insect may not be moved outside the quarantined area without inspection and compliance. This includes firewood, vehicles, outdoor household items and any items stored outside during the fall, as well as building materials and plants or plant parts.
This meeting is open to the public and pre-registration is not required. Questions regarding the Oct. 27 event can be directed to Emelie Swackhamer at exs33@psu.edu.