Ohio Expands Quarantine To Combat Spotted Lanternfly Spread
PUBLISHED Feb 17, 2026, 3:00 PM ET
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COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Agriculture Tuesday issued a statewide quarantine to combat the invasive spotted lanternfly. Effective Feb. 17, the order expands an 18‑county effort to all 88 counties and prohibits moving trees, nursery stock and other high‑risk products out of state without a compliance agreement, permit or inspection certificate. Producers shipping to nonregulated areas must inspect stock and include certificates confirming loads are free of the pest. The ODA said plant health experts will work with nurseries and wineries and advised contacting Plant Pest Control Section for assistance. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.
By James Porter | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- Spotted lanternfly arrived in the U.S. about a decade ago and established populations.
- Ohio recorded its first SLF detections in 2020 and sightings increased over subsequent years.
- Since last May, the state placed 18 counties under quarantine to curb spread.
- On Feb. 17, the Ohio Department of Agriculture issued a statewide quarantine covering all 88 counties.
- Following the order, ODA advised industry to seek certification from the Plant Pest Control Section and scaled back public reporting requests.
News Intelligence
- The spotted lanternfly is a major threat to Ohio's trees, vineyards, and nurseries. If you're in the gardening or wine business, or just love your backyard, this affects you. Check your plants for signs of these pests and consider getting a compliance agreement if you plan to move plants out of state.
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State agricultural industries, including vineyards, orchards and forestry interests, benefit from reduced pest spread risk and regulatory measures intended to protect crop yields and long-term market stability.
Producers, nurseries, and shippers face increased compliance costs, inspection requirements and paperwork which may disrupt logistics and add short-term operational expense.
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Ohio Expands Quarantine To Combat Spotted Lanternfly Spread
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