The Enemy

The Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive species native to China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. In September, 2014 it was found for the first time in the United States, in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Since then, it has spread to 14 counties in Pennsylvania which are now quarantined, as well as to New Jersey, Delaware, and Virginia. In addition to damaging trees and affecting quality of life, the Spotted Lanternfly carries a significant threat to the US agriculture industry. It threatens billions of dollars in economic impact and hundreds of thousands of jobs for those in the grapes, apple, hops, and hardwood industries.