David Owens, Extension Entomologist, owensd@udel.edu
Spotted lanternfly adults are present. This means it is time to be extra vigilant when moving equipment, plants, and even vehicles in and out of the quarantine areas. All of New Castle County is under spotted lanternfly quarantine as of July 1. Residents can use the compliance checklist on DDA’s website https://agriculture.delaware.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/108/2020/06/DDA-Spotted-Lanternfly_Residential-Quarantine-Checklist_6.26.20.pdf. Businesses and government agencies are required to obtain a permit. To do so, someone from your business needs to go through an online training and pass a test through the Delaware Learning Center: https://stateofdelaware.csod.com/LMS/catalog/Welcome.aspx?tab_page_id=-67&tab_id=20000767. They then are to train the rest of the employees of your business. You will need to inspect vehicles and equipment for lanternfly and egg masses.
If you think you have a spotted lanternfly, take a picture and report the sighting along with the photo to hitchhikerbug@delaware.gov.