NJ Department of Agriculture has recently enacted a state quarantine in Warren, Hunterdon, and Mercer counties to prevent movement of the Spotted Lanternfly to un-infested areas of the state. They are asking municipalities for help fighting the insect.
As we reported in January and May, the Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) poses a threat to forests, ornamental trees, orchards, vegetables, grapes, hops, and other agricultural commodities. Since its initial discovery in Pennsylvania, it has spread to infest portions of 13 counties of that state, and recently it has been discovered in New Jersey in Warren, Hunterdon, and Mercer Counties. The New Jersey Department of Agriculture has recently enacted a state quarantine in these counties to restrict the movement of this insect to un-infested areas of the state.
The Department is asking affected municipalities in the Quarantined Counties to put on their websites Spotted Lanternfly information, including a checklist for residents living in quarantine areas. This will help inform their residents and workers about this insect and what they can do to prevent accidental movement of this insect. Sightings of this insect can be made to SLF-plantindustry@ag.nj.gov or by calling the New Jersey Spotted Lanternfly Hotline at 1-833-223-2840 (BADBUG0) and leave a message detailing sighting and contact information.
For additional information or questions please contact Joe Zoltowski, Director, Division of Plant Industry, NJDA, at Joseph.Zoltowski@ag.nj.gov or 609-406-6940.