Virginia establishes quarantine to stop spread of spotted lanternfly

Close-up of spotted lanternfly nymph sits on wood fence before hopping away. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)(Getty Images/iStockphoto/arlutz73)

Close-up of black nymph stage on grape leaf. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Close-up of black nymph stage on grape leaf. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Close-up of spotted lanternfly nymph sits on wood fence before hopping away. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Close-up of spotted lanternfly nymph sits on wood fence before hopping away. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Spotted lanterflies in the nymph stage. (Courtesy Eric Day/Virginia Tech)
Spotted lanterflies in the nymph stage. (Courtesy Eric Day/Virginia Tech)
An adult spotted lanternfly. (Courtesy Maryland Department Natural Resources)
An adult spotted lanternfly. (Courtesy Maryland Department Natural Resources)
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Close-up of black nymph stage on grape leaf. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Close-up of spotted lanternfly nymph sits on wood fence before hopping away. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Spotted lanterflies in the nymph stage. (Courtesy Eric Day/Virginia Tech)
An adult spotted lanternfly. (Courtesy Maryland Department Natural Resources)
Virginia has established a quarantine to halt the spread of an invasive species that threatens the state’s peach, apple, hops, grape and wine industries.

The quarantine is aimed at containing the spotted lanternfly, a species of insect indigenous to China, India, and Vietnam. The quarantine applies to Frederick County and the city of Winchester.

“We’re concerned about them spreading because they’re such good hitchhikers,” said Virginia Tech Insect Identification Lab diagnostician Dr. Theresa Dellinger.

Since first detected in Winchester in 2018, the insect’s range has expanded from one mile to 16 miles. Dellinger said it’s now established in Northern Virginia, New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania, where it was confirmed in 2014. There’s concern about it spreading into Maryland.

In addition to reducing the yield and quality of crops they infest, the nature of how the spotted lanternfly damages plants means they also can pose a nuisance factor to homeowners.

Spotted lanternflies feed on plants’ sap and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew.

“That can attract bees, wasps and flies. It can also ferment and cause the growth of sooty mold,” Dellinger said. “So, it’s a very nasty situation for homeowners to deal with in their backyard when they have lots and lots and lots of spotted lanternflies.”

The quarantine applies to items such as potted plants, mulch, firewood, lumber, recreational vehicles or any item stored outdoors, including dog houses and outdoor furniture. Anyone intending to take such items out of Winchester or Frederick County needs to apply with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for a shipping permit.

There’s also concern about people helping the pest spread within the quarantine area.

“We’re asking you to learn the stages of spotted lanternfly and check things over to make sure you’re not accidentally moving it around within the quarantine area,” Dellinger said.

Below is a video on the spotted lanternfly, how it spreads and its detrimental effects.

Kristi King

Kristi King is a veteran reporter who has been working in the WTOP newsroom since 1990. She covers everything from breaking news to consumer concerns and the latest medical developments.

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