RICHMOND (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The state agriculture department has ended the Virginia Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine that was in effect in Albemarle County for the past few years, but it’s not because progress has been made in isolating the pest. It’s because the quarantine is no longer slowing the spread with now 67 Virginia cities and counties with reproducing and persistent populations of the fruit crop-damaging insects.

In infested areas, the Spotted Lanternfly masses on trees by the hundreds and secretes a sugary honeydew that causes sooty mold to form on branches and underlying plantings and surfaces, such as walkways, patios and outdoor furniture. The insect is particularly attracted to Tree of Heaven, a nonnative invasive species that is widespread in Virginia. However, the Spotted Lanternfly can be found on more than 70 other tree species and attacks grapes, hops, fruit trees and other crops and could wreak havoc on apple, peach and wine grape crops.