What's Happening?
The Ohio Department of Agriculture has announced a statewide quarantine to address the invasive spotted lanternfly, effective February 17, 2026. This measure expands the previous quarantine from 18 counties to the entire state. The spotted lanternfly, originally
from Asia, poses a significant threat to Ohio's grape and wine industry, which contributes over $6 billion annually to the state's economy. The quarantine restricts the movement of trees and nursery stock out of Ohio without proper inspection and certification to prevent the pest's spread. The spotted lanternfly was first detected in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in 2014 and confirmed in Ohio in 2020.
Why It's Important?
The quarantine is crucial for protecting Ohio's agricultural sector, particularly the grape and wine industry, from the economic damage caused by the spotted lanternfly. The pest's presence threatens the livelihoods of those involved in these industries and could lead to significant economic losses if not controlled. The quarantine aims to prevent the spread of the lanternfly to other regions, safeguarding not only Ohio's economy but also that of neighboring states. Businesses involved in the production and shipment of at-risk products must comply with the new regulations to avoid penalties and ensure the pest does not spread further.
What's Next?
Businesses and producers in Ohio will need to adapt to the new regulations by obtaining compliance agreements, permits, or inspection certificates for their products. The Ohio Department of Agriculture will provide assistance to those needing help with certification. The department is no longer encouraging public reporting of lanternfly sightings, focusing instead on professional management and control measures. Continued monitoring and enforcement of the quarantine will be essential to its success, and further actions may be taken if the pest continues to spread.
