ANNAPOLIS, MD — Efforts to control the spotted lanternfly in Maryland are expanding. The Maryland Department of Agriculture added 2 more counties into a "spotted lanternfly quarantine zone."
Effective immediately Charles and Garrett Counties are in the quarantine zone.
What does this mean? Well, it means the movement of items, that could contain lanternflies is restricted. This includes any of its life stages: egg masses, nymphs, and adults.
“As we continue to be vigilant in our approach, we understand the negative impact that spotted lanternflies have on agriculture operations," said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “As a result, we are taking steps to expand the quarantine zone out of an abundance of caution. We remain committed to controlling this destructive insect's spread and protecting our agricultural community's interests."
The first quarantine order came out in 2019 and included Harford and Cecil Counties. Both counties have established lanternfly populations.
In 2022 the quarantine zone expanded again to include: Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, and Washington County. The same order also included Baltimore City.
The spotted lanternfly poses a major threat to the region’s agricultural industries as it feeds on more than 70 different types of crops and plants, including grapes, hops, apples, peaches, oak, pine, and many others.
Watch as Jeff Morgan talks to local Entomologist about the spotted lanternfly
Businesses, municipalities, and government agencies requiring any regulated item's movement within or from the quarantine zone will need a specialized permit.
Examples of regulated articles include:
- landscaping
- remodeling/construction waste
- packing materials like wood boxes or crates
- plants and plant parts
- vehicles
- other outdoor items.
Originally from Asia, the spotted lanternfly was first detected in Berks County, Pennsylvania, in the fall of 2014. As a known hitchhiker, the spotted lanternfly has also spread to Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.