Spotted lanternfly quarantine zone expanded in Md.

Image: Maryland Department of Agriculture

MARYLAND – The Maryland Department of Agriculture announced on Monday that they will expand the quarantine zone in order to control an invasive species.

The Quarantine Zone for the spotted lanternfly was put into effect originally for two counties in Maryland back in 2019. In 2023, that expansion was increased to include several Eastern Shore counties, including Wicomico, Talbot, Caroline, and Queen Anne’s County. Effective immediately, that zone will also include Cecil and Harford Counties.

“There are populations of spotted lanternflies in these counties, and we are asking residents and businesses to be aware of that and to take precautions to not move spotted lanternflies further,” said Jessica Boyles with the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

Spotted lanternfly sightings are not exclusive to Maryland, and have been seen in Delaware, Virginia, and other surrounding states.

Boyles tells us that if you think you have come across a spotted lanternfly, you should not hesitate to squash it to help slow the spread.