Implement control measures using approved pesticides at priority locations to suppress the spread of spotted lanternfly

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) received a $245,500 Cooperative Agreement from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) under the Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care program (CFDA 10.025) for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. This agreement funds a comprehensive spotted lanternfly (SLF) control initiative targeting high-priority locations throughout New Jersey, including seaports, airports, commuter parking lots, and high-volume shipping operations. NJDA will implement pesticide applications and physical removal methods—including egg mass scraping, crushing, and golden pest oil spray treatments—alongside high-density insect trapping to suppress SLF populations in designated areas.

The agreement deliverables include slowing SLF spread through coordinated chemical and mechanical control measures, utilizing survey data to prioritize treatment locations, and reducing pest populations in priority zones via trapping activities. NJDA will also conduct outreach to businesses shipping outside the state to increase participation in SLF permitting requirements. The intended beneficiaries include the general public in and around New Jersey, as well as growers and exporters within and outside the state, with benefits extending across the agricultural supply chain through pest management and disease prevention activities aligned with APHIS's broader agricultural protection mission.

Purpose

The purpose of this agreement is to implement control measures using approved pesticides at priority locations to suppress the spread of spotted lanternfly. Priorities will include seaports, airports, commuter parking lots and high-volume shipping operations. Treatments during wintertime will include scraping and crushing of EGG masses as well as application of golden pest spray oil. In addition, high density insect trapping will be implemented to reduce populations in priority areas. Njda staff will also reach out to businesses who ship out of state to ensure that they obtain the spotted lanternfly permit.

Activities

Njda will implement a spray program at select priority locations to slow the spread of spotted lanternfly. Deliverables and expected outcomes: slow the spread of SLF through the application of pesticides and physical removal of EGG masses at select priority locations throughout the state.use survey data to help prioritize treatment locations. Use trapping to reduce populations in priority areas as well. Increase participation in SLF permitting by businesses who ship out of state. Intended beneficiary(IES): the public in and around new jersey, growers and exporters within and outside the state of NJ. Subrecipient activities, if known or specified at the time of award: N/a