Efforts to quarantine spotted lanternflies in Virginia have been deemed ineffective.
The state’s Department of Agriculture repealed the quarantine last month after efforts to slow the pest failed. The quarantine was established back in 2019 when the pest was first detected in Frederick County.
Sixty-seven Virginia localities now face the pest which feeds on grapes, hops, stone fruits, and hardwood trees.
Spotted lanternflies have also been found in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, and Connecticut.
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“The clean-up process is going to be a very, very long time. It’s not going to take months; it’s going to take probably years, if not longer than that.”
“We absolutely expect to see more of these proposals similar to this or other types of action on this topic in this session and upcoming ones as well.”