Beginning on May 1, all businesses, including farms, that operate in a 14-county area in eastern Pennsylvania will be required to display a permit indicating they have completed a training to help minimize the spread of the spotted lanternfly.

Spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect from Asia that was discovered in Berks County in 2014.

To help contain the spread of the spotted lanternfly, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has identified the 14-county quarantine zone and is requiring businesses, agencies and organizations that move vehicles, equipment and goods within and out of the quarantined area to complete a training and obtain a permit.

The Spotted Lanternfly Permit Training for Businesses is designed as a “train the trainer” course for designated employees. Once employees successfully pass the course exam, their companies will receive spotted lanternfly permits for company vehicles from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Employees will then also be responsible for training fellow employees to work in the quarantine zone without inadvertently spreading these insects and endangering agriculture and commerce.

One option to obtain the permit is by taking an online course, offered by Penn State Extension and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. This free, self-paced course will provide the information and resources necessary for the designated employee to then train fellow employees about best operating procedures within the quarantine zone. The requested number of vehicle permits will be issued to the business once the designated employee passes the online course.

The course can be accessed at https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly-permit-training.

The second option is to attend a livestreamed Spotted Lanternfly Permit Training workshop. These will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the following locations:

• Polk Township Volunteer Fire Company, 511 Interchange Road, Kresgeville;

• Lehigh County Agricultural Center, 4184 Dorney Park Road, Allentown, and;

• Gracedale Nursing Home, 2 Gracedale Ave., Nazareth.

There is no cost to register for the in-person workshops, and although it is not required, registration is encouraged. Walk-ins are welcome, but registered participants will receive preference if location capacity is met.

Registration is available online at https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly-permit-training-for-businesses or by calling 877-345-0691.

Native to Asia, the spotted lanternfly has no natural enemies in North America. The lanternfly is a destructive insect that feeds on a wide range of fruit, ornamental and hardwood trees, including grapes, apples, walnut and oak. It damages plants as it sucks sap from branches, stems and tree trunks. The repeated feedings leave the tree bark with dark scars.

The spotted lanternfly also excretes a sticky fluid, which promotes mold growth and further weakens plants. This pest has the potential to cause considerable damage to Pennsylvania’s agricultural industry.

People are asked to look for signs of spotted lanternfly. Inspect trucks for egg masses before leaving parking lots or work sites. Scrape off any egg masses you find into rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. While parked, keep windows closed so hitchhiking nymphs and adults stay out.