Spotted Lanternfly: 5 NJ Counties Added To Quarantine Zone

NEW JERSEY — The dreaded spotted lanternfly — an insect that the NJ Department of Agriculture has asked residents to kill because of its effect on small crops — has been spotted throughout five more New Jersey counties, so the state is telling residents there to check vehicles, camping equipment, kids' toys, and other outdoor items for the creatures before moving them.

State Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher announced Monday that New Jersey has added five counties to the existing spotted lanternfly quarantine zone:

• Essex
• Middlesex
• Monmouth
• Morris
• Union

They join the previously announced quarantine counties of Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Salem, Somerset, and Warren.

Check Your Cars, Check Your Lumber

Residents in the quarantine area are "required to use a checklist" before moving the articles included here, the state said. These include dozens of outdoor items ranging from play equipment to tools, lumber, snowmobiles, tanks, and grills.

The Department is also asking for people to check their vehicles before leaving an area "as the spotted lanternfly has the ability to hitchhike on any vehicle for several miles."

While the spotted lanternfly is of no threat to humans or pets, it does feed on approximately 70 different kinds of vegetation.

Fisher said, “While we have crews working throughout the state to treat infestations of the spotted lanternfly, we are seeking the public’s assistance by asking anyone who sees this pest to destroy it whenever possible.”

He noted, “The spotted lanternfly’s excellent hitchhiking skills on all types of transportation have allowed it to spread, making it necessary to expand the quarantine zone."

The department also directed residents to the checklist so they can view photos to help them identify the black, gray, and red creature at all life stages.

The spotted lanternfly is currently in its adult stage and will begin laying its egg masses in September, the department said.

Thirty to 50 Nymphs

While the spotted lanternfly cannot survive the winter, its egg masses can, and produce about 30 to 50 nymphs that hatch in the spring.

The department is asking anyone who sees a spotted lanternfly to destroy it, go to www.badbug.nj.gov, click on the spotted lanternfly photo, and then fill out the report a sighting form. There are resources links for homeowners and business owners on the site. Residents can also send the address of spotted lanternfly sightings by emailing SLF-plantindustry@ag.nj.gov.

Business entities that routinely travel in and out of the quarantine area are required to take, and pass, free training regarding the spotted lanternfly at https://bit.ly/3mDGv2d.

The quarantine also allows access to property for Department, USDA, or USDA contracted agents where the spotted lanternfly is suspected or confirmed so that the property can be evaluated and treated, if necessary.

READ MORE: Spotted Lanternflys Keep Spreading. NJ Wants You To Kill Them

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