The Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive insect pest that has found its way to Berks County from Asia. It has the potential to impact fruit and ornamental production in this country. The PA Department of Agriculture (PDA) is working to stop the spread of this pest. A public education effort is underway for residents and businesses located in the Berks County townships of District, Hereford, Pike, Rockland and Washington; including Bally and Bechtelsville.
There will be a town hall-type meeting open to residents of the affected townships on Saturday, Nov. 8, starting at 9 a.m. It will be held in the auditorium at The Oley Valley Middle School Auditorium at 3247 Friedensburg Road. Oley. Experts from the PA Department of Agriculture will be there to explain what the insect looks like, how to recognize and remove egg clusters from objects that can be transported, and how to report new sightings of the pest.
The PDA is trying to stop the spread of Spotted Lanternfly by enacting a quarantine in the five Berks County townships affected. The Spotted Lanternfly lays masses on a variety of surfaces which can be easily transported, aiding the spread of this pest. The quarantine means that any material or object that can spread the pest cannot be moved to areas outside the quarantined townships. At the meeting the details of the quarantine will be explained by PA Department of Agriculture Specialists.
This meeting is open to residents and businesses located in the Berks County townships of District, Hereford, Pike, Rockland and Washington; including Bally and Bechtelsville. Learn how to help to stop the spread of this potentially damaging invasive insect.
For additional information about the Spotted Lanternfly see <http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/>.
