Ohio Issues Statewide Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine

New restrictions aim to protect state's $6 billion grape and wine industry

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The Ohio Department of Agriculture has issued a statewide quarantine for the invasive Spotted Lanternfly, expanding previous restrictions that covered 18 counties. The quarantine prohibits the movement of certain products like trees and nursery stock out of Ohio without proper inspection and certification, in an effort to curb the spread of this pest that threatens the state's lucrative grape and wine industry.

Why it matters

The Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive insect from Asia that feeds on a variety of important agricultural crops, including grapes, hops, and apples. Ohio's grape and wine industry generates over $6 billion in economic activity annually, making it a critical sector that state officials are seeking to protect through this expanded quarantine.

The details

Under the new statewide quarantine, any businesses shipping products at risk of spreading the Spotted Lanternfly, such as trees and nursery stock, must have their shipments inspected and obtain a certificate confirming the items are pest-free before transporting them out of Ohio. The state is no longer encouraging residents to report individual Spotted Lanternfly sightings, and is instead directing them to an ODA management guide for treatment methods on private property.

  • The statewide quarantine went into effect on February 17, 2026.
  • The Spotted Lanternfly was first detected in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in 2014.

The players

Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA)

The state agency that issued the statewide quarantine for the invasive Spotted Lanternfly in order to protect Ohio's agricultural industries.

Brian Baldridge

The director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, who stated the agency is committed to protecting and preserving the state's plant life from the harmful impacts of the Spotted Lanternfly.

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What they’re saying

“The spotted lanternfly is an invasive pest that is known to cause harm to Ohio's agricultural industry. ODA is committed to protecting and preserving our plant life, and plant health experts are working with nurseries and wineries to reduce the negative impact of SLF.”

— Brian Baldridge, Director, Ohio Department of Agriculture (The VW independent)

What’s next

Businesses that need assistance with certifying shipments of products at risk of spreading the Spotted Lanternfly should reach out to ODA's Plant Pest Control Section.

The takeaway

This statewide quarantine underscores Ohio's commitment to protecting its vital agricultural industries, particularly the $6 billion grape and wine sector, from the destructive Spotted Lanternfly. The new restrictions aim to prevent the further spread of this invasive pest within the state.