Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Training Coming To Delco

SPRINGFIELD, PA — A special training on the invasive and dangerous Spotted Lanternfly is coming to Delaware County that will get residents and businesses up to speed with the Spotted Lanternfly Order of Quarantine and Treatment.

The new order was published May 26, 2018 and was developed to stop this pest from moving out of the currently affected areas.

All residents and businesses must comply with the regulations. A SLF permit is required for businesses working within the quarantine which move products, vehicles or other conveyances within or out of the quarantine.

Delco residents and businesses can attend a training from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Oct. 7 at the Smedley Park Environmental Center, 20 Paper Mill Road in Springfield.

Owners, supervisors, or managers designated by the business should complete the training.

The free classes will consist of a pre-recorded training session followed by a 20-question exam. A score of 70 percent (14/20) is required to pass and to receive a permit.

Registration is required. To register, contact the Department of Agriculture at (717) 787-5674 or SLFPermit@pa.gov.

This person will be responsible to train employees on what to look for and how to safeguard against moving spotted lanternfly. The department encourages everyone, even those who do not need a permit, to take advantage of training.

The Spotted Lanternfly was discovered in Berks County in 2014. It is native to China, India, Vietnam, and was also introduced to Korea where it has become a major pest.

This insect has the potential to greatly impact the stone fruit, grape, hops and logging industries. Damage to blueberries, basil, cucumbers and horseradish has also been observed.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is also working to minimize the movement of SLF within the quarantine area, by deterring the movement of SLF on materials, equipment, vehicles, etc. from high population areas into areas with low to no populations.