Statewide quarantine for invasive bug

Ohio officials announced a statewide quarantine related to the continued spread of the invasive spotted lanternfly. Previously, 18 counties — including Erie, Ottawa and Seneca — were under quarantine. But as of this week, all 88 counties in the state are under quarantine. "The spotted lanternfly is an invasive pest that is known to cause harm to Ohio's agricultural industry," Ohio Department of Agriculture director Brian Baldridge said, adding that his department "is committed to protecting and preserving our plant life, and plant health experts are working with nurseries and wineries to reduce the negative impact of (spotted lanternflies)." The quarantine affects producers of items like trees and nursery stock, which "may not be moved out of Ohio without a compliance agreement, permit or inspection certificate." "Producers who ship these products to non-regulated areas must have their stock inspected and each load must be accompanied by a certificate which confirms their product is free of (spotted lanternflies)," according to a release from the state agriculture department. Businesses can contact the state agriculture department's Plant Pest Control Section for help on certifying their shipments. The spotted lanternfly is an invasive species from Asia, which first appeared in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in 2014. The bugs are harmless to humans and animals but cause damage to trees and crops, particularly grapes and fruit trees. The state is no longer recommending sightings of the bug be reported to them. Advice on treatment methods to contain spotted lanternflies can be found at this website: agri.ohio.gov/divisions/plant-health/invasive-pests/slf-bmp.