The spotted lanterfly (SLF) is an invasive planthopper that was first detected in southeastern PA in 2014. While its plant host of choice is the tree-of-heaven, it will feed on fruit trees and vines as well as hardwood and ornamental trees. To fight the spread of spotted lanternflies, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is extending quarantine guidelines to beekeepers. Click here to view those guidelines.

Any business transporting goods out of a quarantined area must first obtain a permit to do so. See here for more information on obtaining a permit and for a link to a quarantine checklist. While backyard hobbyist beekeepers are not required to obtain a permit or take a test, it is strongly recommended that one attends the educational portion of the SLF presentation.