Combating Spotted Lanternflies

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to an invasive species attacking Pennsylvania agriculture.

The spotted lanternfly was first discovered in the Commonwealth in 2014 and has since traveled to 51 out of our 67 counties. This spotted lanternfly can impact the grape, fruit tree, plant nursery, and timber industries, which contribute billions of dollars each year to Pennsylvania's economy.

In efforts to prevent the spread of the spotted lanternfly, Pennsylvania has established quarantine zones, but it takes collective and intentional efforts to slow the spread of this insect.

Across the Commonwealth, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture along with Penn State Extension provide education-based programs to the public. These programs are key resources for community members looking for information on how to combat and slow the spread of the spotted lanternfly.

Mr. Speaker, with warmer weather comes spotted lanternfly hatching season, and residents are encouraged to squash the bug and their egg masses.

It will take us all doing our part to prevent any further spread of this invasive insect, and I encourage all to utilize their local resources when combating invasive species.

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