COLUMBUS, Ohio – The state is escalating its battle against an invasive insect that is harmful to grapes and other crops.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture on Tuesday issued a statewide quarantine for the spotted lanternfly. Previously, 18 Ohio counties were under quarantine, including Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana.

Ashtabula and Lake counties, which have the greatest concentration of vineyards in northeastern Ohio, were previously not under the quarantine.

Under the quarantine, products such as trees and nursery stock may not be moved out of Ohio without a compliance agreement, permit or inspection certificate. Producers who ship these products to nonregulated areas must have their stock inspected, and each load must be accompanied by a certificate that confirms their product is free of the spotted lanternfly.

Businesses that need assistance with certifying shipments of products at risk of spreading the insect should reach out to ODA’s Plant Pest Control Section for assistance.

ODA is no longer encouraging community members to report sightings of the spotted lanternfly in the state. Recommendations on treatment methods on private property can be found in ODA’s Spotted Lanternfly Management Guide.

“The spotted lanternfly is an invasive pest that is known to cause harm to Ohio’s agricultural industry,” ODA Director Brian Baldridge said. “ODA 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 the insect.”

The spotted lanternfly, which is native to Asia,  is a pest of grapes, hops and apples, along with many other species of plants. The pest is specifically a concern for Ohio’s grape and wine industry, which contributes more than $6 billion in economic activity to the state yearly. An invasive tree known as tree of heaven is the primary host for the spotted lanternfly.

The large insect has tan wings with black spots and bright red coloring underneath the wings.

The spotted lanternfly was first detected in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in 2014. It was likely brought to the U.S. by imported goods. The first confirmation in Ohio was in Mingo Junction in 2020. Video of the insect can be found HERE.