What Businesses Need to Know – Permits Now Required

Lycorma delicatula, commonly known as the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), is a new invasive insect that has spread throughout southeastern Pennsylvania since its discovery in Berks County in 2014. SLF presents a significant threat to Pennsylvania agriculture, including the grape, tree-fruit, hardwood and nursery industries, which collectively are worth nearly $18 billion to the state’s economy.

Obtain a Permit (for Businesses): To stop the spread of spotted lanternfly (SLF), the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) issued a quarantine for counties where SLF has been confirmed, and requires any businesses and organizations moving within or from the quarantine zone in the course of their work to obtain permits issued by PDA.

Online Permit Training: Penn State Extension worked with PDA in developing a self-paced, “train the trainer” online course to train designated employees – usually an owner, manager, or supervisor – within a company on how to comply with the quarantine regulations. Once a designated employee passes the course, they will receive from PDA the requested number SLF permits for company vehicles. For more information regarding whether your company needs a permit, please visit the PDA website at https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Plants_Land_Water/PlantIndustry/Entomology/spotted_lanternfly/Pages/default.aspx

Call the PA Extention hotline at 1-888-422-3359 with questions on spotted lanternfly management or to report a sighting. You may also report a spotted lanternfly sighting from their website.

Source: https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly

November 5, 2019