The spotted lanternfly damages plants as it sucks sap from branches, stems and tree trunks. The repeated feedings leave the tree bark with dark scars. Spotted lanternfly also excretes a sticky fluid, which promotes mold growth and further weakens plants and puts agriculture and forests at risk. Lance Cheung/USDA photo

Lance Cheung

While agricultural businesses are used to quarantines on products for diseases and pests, all types of businesses are going to have to get used to a few extra steps when it comes to the transportation of goods.

Earlier this week, Butler County was added to the counties in the state Department of Agriculture's quarantine zone for the spotted lanternfly.

This means all businesses that operate in or travel through quarantined counties are required to obtain a Spotted Lanternfly Business Permit through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

“Lanternflies will attach to anything,” said Shannon Powers, state Department of Agriculture press secretary. “It doesn’t matter what you’re carrying.”

For Butler County, the species or its larva has only been seen in Cranberry and Jackson townships according to Diane Dallos, Master Gardener coordinator for the county's Penn State Extension office.

However, this has forced the Department of Agriculture to place all of Butler County in the quarantine zone.