The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture held a meeting to update the county on the progress of the spotted lanternfly infestation in Pennsylvania. Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding spoke to the updates to the quarantine list of counties in the state. Currently 45 counties are quarantined because spotted lanternfly infestation has been identified. Washington County was added to the list in March. In total there are nine states with known infestation. Jay Losiewicz, Management Technician with the PA Dept. of Agriculture. stated that a small infestation has been identified in the northeast corner of Washington County. The insect is native to Asia and was first seen in Berks County in 2015. Redding states that it was first spotted near a stone yard, brought in by boat on a shipment of imported stone. According to Losiewicz, the insect will locate in disturbed areas of woods such as where trees may have been cut back. They like to feed on vines like grapes, hops and hardwood trees. It is also a nuisance because it will excrete a “honeydew” that will cover populated areas and make them unpleasant for relaxation or recreation. Redding states that in the initial discovery of the insect, houses in infested areas had to be pulled from being sold until the insect was brought under control. Pennsylvania is trying to control any growth in population of the insect. Officials ask that if you do see a spotted lanternfly that you squish it and then report it to the Department of Agriculture.