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State Agencies Request Public’s Help in Tracking Tree-of-Heaven

Photo courtesy of the WA Invasive Species Council

State Agencies Request Public’s Help in Tracking Tree-of-Heaven

September 30, 2021

 

State officials are seeking help from the public in reporting an invasive plant called tree-of-heaven throughout October in hopes of stopping the introduction of the invasive insect, the spotted lanternfly. The Washington Invasive Species Council, Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board and other agencies are asking the public to report sightings of tree-of-heaven and spotted lanternfly via the Washington Invasives mobile app or the Council’s online reporting site.  

Tree-of-heaven has been found in at least 18 of Washington’s 39 counties, although the exact location and size of the infestations is unknown. Spotted lanternfly prefers tree-of-heaven as its host. To date, spotted lanternfly has been spotted in several northeastern states, but has a high potential to spread quickly across North America. Dead spotted lanternfly have recently been found in California and Oregon on goods transported from the eastern United States. Once established in Washington, the spotted lanternfly is likely to impact local agriculture, specifically fruit trees, grapes and hops. With the public’s help, officials can get a better understanding of the distribution of tree-of-heaven, and therefore, be more prepared to locate spotted lanternfly once it arrives in Washington. 

Helpful links:

Spotted Lanternfly Information
Tree-of-Heaven Information
Tree-of-Heaven and Spotted Lanternfly Brochure
Report a Sighting

Last Updated: 12/16/2021 03:05 PM

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