Why Virginia Has Repealed Its Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine

The Virginia Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine has officially been repealed. The quarantine repeal removes all regulatory requirements restricting intrastate movement in Virginia of the spotted lanternfly or articles capable of moving the invasive insect. Interstate movement of spotted lanternfly or articles capable of moving the spotted lanternfly may still be regulated by the importing state, however.

Staff from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), with regulatory approval from the Virginia Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services, recently determined the quarantine is no longer effective at slowing the rate of spread of this invasive pest. As of this post, numerous Virginia cities and counties have reproducing and persistent populations of the spotted lanternfly, reports VDACS.

The initial Virginia Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine was established in 2019 for Frederick County and the city of Winchester to slow the spread of the invasive pests to un-infested areas of the Commonwealth. Since that time, the quarantine has been expanded to 12 counties and 10 cities to keep up with the spread of spotted lanternfly populations throughout the state.

Spotted lanternfly is an invasive planthopper that feeds on plants like grapes, hops, stone fruits, and hardwood trees. The invasive pest typically feeds in large numbers and excretes a fluid that causes damaging sooty mold, which can further damage plants.

Virginia-based businesses shipping products capable of transporting invasive spotted lanternfly to states or other countries with import restrictions will need to first obtain or maintain their existing spotted lanternfly permit, establish a compliance agreement, or request a phytosanitary certificate.

For more information, visit www.vdacs.virginia.gov/plant-industry-services-spotted-lanternfly.shtml.