Wall Street Journal: States Turn to Truckers to Stop Spread of Spotted Lanternfly

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States have turned to truckers to stop the spread of the Spotted Lanternfly, the pest that has been wreaking havoc across southeastern Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic region, writes Jennifer Smith for The Wall Street Journal.

The plant-hopping insect has been spreading by hitching rides on trucks and other vehicles, threatening to cause massive damage to several commodities. Now, the number of pests is increasing with the higher temperature, as their eggs develop into winged adults.

To combat any further spread of the bug, carriers picking up or delivering freight in quarantined areas of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Virginia have to get permits that certify they are trained to recognize and eliminate the insect.

“The focus is on educating business travelers on how to recognize the insect and keep from transporting it,” said Shannon Powers, a spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Carriers without this permit could receive fines of up to $20,000.

The spotted lanternfly first appeared in the U.S. five years ago in Berks County. It most likely arrived hidden on goods imported from Asia. Since then, it has spread to 14 counties in Pennsylvania, including Chester County.

Read more about the Spotted Lanternfly in The Wall Street Journal here.

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