The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture added Butler County to the spotted lanternfly quarantine zone after the insects were seen in Jackson Township and Cranberry Townships. PA Department of Agriculture photo.

While many in the know saw the dreaded-yet-beautiful spotted lanternfly last summer in the Cranberry Township area, Butler County has now been officially added to the counties in the state Department of Agriculture’s quarantine zone.

The department announced on Friday that the county and five others were added to the quarantine zone for 2023.

Businesses that operate in or travel through quarantined counties are required to obtain a spotted lanternfly permit through the department.

“Spotted lanternfly is an invasive pest that is disruptive and damaging to our agriculture commodities and a nuisance pest for all Pennsylvanians,” said Russell Redding, secretary of the state Department of Agriculture. “Through collective and intentional efforts, including instituting quarantine zones, we continue to slow the spread of this insect, and I call on all Pennsylvanians to assist.”