Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Implementation
An invasive pest threatening Pennsylvania agriculture and quality of life, has prompted Penn State and state and federal agencies to lead research and enforce quarantine procedures to help control its spread.
Jason Haney
The Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive insect that has spread throughout southeastern Pennsylvania since its discovery in Berks County in 2014. This insect has the potential to greatly impact agricultural crops in Pennsylvania including grapes, hops, and hardwoods. It is also reducing the quality of life for people living in heavily infested areas. Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) have joined forces to control and contain the spread of SLF. Penn State has been leading the research efforts currently underway on the insects' biology, pesticide studies, and the ability of the SLF to adapt to the environment in Pennsylvania.
To help slow the spread of the SLF, on May 26, 2018 the PDA implemented an Order of Quarantine for the Spotted Lanternfly (Quarantine). This order applies to all businesses that travel within, into, or out of the Quarantine Zone, including Penn State. EHS has created the Procedures for Penn State Implementation of the Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Requirements to help Penn State comply with the Quarantine.
The Quarantine Zone has expanded in 2025, to include Bradford, Sullivan, Venango, and Wyoming County.
Program Applicability
This program applies to:
- Penn State colleges, campuses, units, and departments whose employees, vehicles, or equipment travel within, into, or out of the Pennsylvania Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Zone.
- University business operations that move or may inadvertently transport regulated articles that could harbor SLF life stages (egg masses, nymphs, or adults), including vehicles, equipment, and materials. [ehs.psu.edu], [pa.gov]
The PDA quarantine applies to all businesses operating in quarantined counties, including Penn State. The PDA periodically expands the Quarantine Zone as detections occur, and units must comply when travel or operations intersect with quarantined areas.
Program Requirements
General Compliance for Penn State Units
- Follow EHS Procedures for Penn State Implementation of the Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Requirements.
- Comply with all applicable PDA quarantine and permitting requirements when conducting University business within the Quarantine Zone.
Designated Employee and Oversight
- Assign one or more Spotted Lanternfly Designated Employees to oversee quarantine implementation for their unit.
- Decide whether to manage implementation as a single unit or through multiple designated areas, as appropriate.
Vehicle and Travel Requirements
- Identify University‑owned, rented, or personally owned vehicles used on University business that travel within, into, or out of the Quarantine Zone.
- Obtain PDA Spotted Lanternfly permits for vehicles when required.
- Equip permitted vehicles with Spotted Lanternfly inspection kits and ensure drivers conduct inspections as required.
Training Requirements
- Ensure Designated Employees complete PDA Spotted Lanternfly training before requesting permits.
- Require employees who drive on University business within the Quarantine Zone to complete Penn State’s Spotted Lanternfly online training and provide certificates to the Designated Employee.
Inspection and Self‑Audit Requirements
- Require employees to inspect vehicles, equipment, and materials before leaving the Quarantine Zone.
- Complete a Spotted Lanternfly self‑audit annually and submit results to EHS and the appropriate Campus DBS or College/Unit Safety Officer.
Documents and Forms
Program:
- Penn State Implementation of the Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Requirements
Procedures and Information:
- Spotted Lanternfly FAQs
- Penn State Extension Spotted Lanternfly Lifecycle
Forms:
- Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Implementation Worksheet
- Spotted Lanternfly Vehicle Report
- PA Department of Agriculture Spotted Lanternfly Checklist for Residents
- Penn State Extension Spotted Lanternfly Certificate of Inspection