Pennsylvania Urges Residents to Report Lanternflies
The Department of Agriculture is asking the public to log spotted lanternfly sightings as quarantine zones remain in place across multiple counties.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Forecasts
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The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is urging residents to report spotted lanternfly sightings, with the invasive pest first found in the state in 2014. Quarantine zones covering multiple Pennsylvania counties are being maintained and may be expanded if new detections are confirmed.
Why it matters
Spotted lanternflies cause oozing sap, wilting, leaf curling, and dieback in plants, and their honeydew encourages black sooty mold growth. Public reporting helps state officials track spread and decide where quarantines should apply across Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture receives more than 1,500 spotted lanternfly reports per week on average, and adult insects are about 1 inch long. The extraction does not say how many new counties may be added to the quarantine.
The players
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
The state agency that administers the spotted lanternfly quarantine and receives public sighting reports.
The details
Spotted lanternflies cover trees, swarm in the air, and coat decks and play equipment with honeydew. Residents can report sightings online or by calling 1-888-4BADFLY.
Timeline
2014: Spotted lanternfly first found in Pennsylvania.
Spring and summer: Residents report hundreds of spotted lanternflies in quarantined counties.
Fall: Females lay egg masses of 30 to 50 eggs each.
Seasonal Patterns
Spotted lanternflies lay egg masses in the fall, and Pennsylvania's quarantine orders have been in place since the pest was first found in the state in 2014. Reports of the insect cluster in the spring and summer months, when adults are active.
Residents who spot spotted lanternflies can report them online or by calling 1-888-4BADFLY. Reporting helps the state decide whether quarantine zones should be expanded to new areas.
The takeaway
Reporting spotted lanternflies is a simple step that helps the state track spread and protect plants and local agriculture. Residents in quarantined counties should check local guidance before moving outdoor items.
Further reading
For related updates on invasive pests and seasonal conditions, see Forecasts.
Live Poll
Is the spotted lanternfly problem getting better or worse in your area?
