As reported on the front page of this week's edition of the Town and Country, the spotted lanternfly quarantine has spread from neighboring Berks County into Montgomery County, and local officials should take heed.

                Apparently their favorite is the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus) – also known in certain circles as the "stink tree."  Perhaps you heard it called by that name when you were young.

                This foul-smelling tree is not the most popular in many lawns and gardens around here, which may be why most people don't seem to care that the lanternfly thinks it's the best.  But it is hard to get rid of as does re-sprout vigorously when you cut it.

                It is considered a noxious weed in Australia, the United States, New Zealand and many countries of central, eastern and southern Europe.

                So we shouldn't be so hard on the spotted lanternfly, right? Wrong.

                This insect may be harmless to humans and hungry for a weed most of us would rather do without, but its tastes have grown to include grapes, apples, stone fruits and several hardwoods.  This isn't good when your state's largest business directly relates to agriculture – like Pennsylvania's does.

                It also isn't good if the largest infestation of the spotted lanternfly is confined to a few municipalities in Berks and Montgomery counties.  Even though those areas are labeled as the primary home of the spotted lanternfly in the entire United States, don't look for federal help to eradicate the pest until it crosses state lines.  Last year it was in Berks, this year Montgomery – which county is next?

                So if you thought it was no big deal, think again.  Over the last few years many residents have been spoiled by municipal yard waste pick up or drop off locations – in many cases mandated by state and/or county agencies.  Local officials may need to find a new way for residents to dispose of leaves and branches if the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture quarantine trumps the Department of Environment Protection directions for recycling.

                This is just one of the dilemmas that local officials could face and they need to become educated on the subject real quick.

                A representative from Penn State handed out "checklists" at Monday's Upper Hanover Township workshop meeting that residents living in spotted lanternfly quarantine areas can use as a guideline to make sure all items are pest-free before they move them. 

                When you look at the list of items that need to be inspected, before you move them, you will be surprised.  We have every reason to be afraid that too many people will simply ignore the quarantine and spread the bug to a new area.  Being "hoppers" and not flyers, the lanternfly needs help to go long distances and the eggs will gladly hitch a ride with anyone not willing to follow the quarantine rules.

                Citizens and local officials are encouraged to attend a public meeting on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. at Brandywine Heights Middle School.  Officials from the Department of Agriculture, Penn State and Kutztown State will be on hand to explain more about the quarantine and plans to eradicate pest.