Read Spotted Lanternfly: The Need to Remain Vigilant (part 1) here.
The spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive insect pest first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014, with confirmed sightings and/or infestations of SLF now reported in 20 eastern states. SLF is not currently found in California; however, accidental introductions threaten future establishment. From 2022 to the present, there have been 48 interceptions of SLF entering California, with 38 of these found on aircraft during airport inspections. Spotted lanternfly eggs have been intercepted on firewood, metal plates for construction, military equipment, and incoming nursery...
- Author: Cindy Kron
On March 27th, 2024, a flatbed truck carrying a metal art structure originating in New York and headed to Petaluma, California was stopped at the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Agricultural Inspection Station in Truckee, California due to live spotted lanternfly (SLF) egg masses being present on the structure (Fig. 1).
Entry of the structure was denied, and the truck reported to the Nevada Department of Agriculture for inspection and treatment for SLF eggs on April 2, 2024. Approximately 30 egg masses were removed and destroyed (Fig. 2). The structure was power washed with soap and water and cleared to enter California with instructions to not offload the structure at the destination until...
