Fw: [EXT] Spotted Lanternfly Misinformation

Fri Apr 25 13:02:14 MST 2025

Please see email below. Forwarding on behalf of Ed.

From: Brian Mcgrew <bmcgrew at azda.gov>
Sent: Friday, April 25, 2025 12:38:16 PM
To: Martin, Edward C - (ecmartin) <ecmartin at arizona.edu>
Cc: Teressa Lopez <tlopez at azda.gov>; Rachel Andrews <randrews at azda.gov>
Subject: [EXT] Spotted Lanternfly Misinformation

External Email

________________________________
Good morning Dr. Martin,

I am reaching out for your assistance in reaching out to the Extension Offices regarding some recent misinformation that has been disseminated through the local and national media outlets.

Last week reports came out that Arizona is among several other states infested with the Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (SLF). This is incorrect and we have attempted to reach out through the USDA Public Affairs and our own PIO to try and get these corrected. However, this information is still posted on the sites brought to their attention. USDA has the correct information about current distribution here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-pests-diseases/slf<https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-pests-diseases/slf>

We want to make sure the Extension Offices have the most current and correct information for when they receive calls from the public. We would appreciate any assistance you and your staff can provide.

Here is a brief list of the articles with incorrect information:

People - Invasive Spotted Lanternflies Have Returned to 17 States — Here's Where and How to Keep Them from 'Becoming a Summer Nuisance'

https://people.com/invasive-spotted-lanternflies-have-returned-to-these-17-states-2025-11714156<https://people.com/invasive-spotted-lanternflies-have-returned-to-these-17-states-2025-11714156>

Invasive spotted lanternflies have made a return to at least 17 states – 4/14/2025 (updated 4/16/2025)

https://www.wabi.tv/2025/04/15/invasive-spotted-lanternflies-have-made-return-least-17-states/?outputType=amp<https://www.wabi.tv/2025/04/15/invasive-spotted-lanternflies-have-made-return-least-17-states/?outputType=amp>

Invasive spotted lanternflies have have been found in 17 states, including Kansas - 4/14/2025

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/invasive-spotted-lanternflies-have-returned-to-17-states-here-s-where-and-how-to-keep-them-from-becoming-a-summer-nuisance/ar-AA1CPpLC?ocid=ems.display.welcomeexperience<https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/invasive-spotted-lanternflies-have-returned-to-17-states-here-s-where-and-how-to-keep-them-from-becoming-a-summer-nuisance/ar-AA1CPpLC?ocid=ems.display.welcomeexperience>

Found last fall in Georgia, invasive bug raises new concerns – 4/15/2025

https://www.walb.com/2025/04/15/found-last-fall-georgia-invasive-bug-raises-new-concerns/<https://www.walb.com/2025/04/15/found-last-fall-georgia-invasive-bug-raises-new-concerns/>

 Invasive Insects Have Already Invaded 17 States And Are A Real Summer Pest – 4/13/2025

https://www.wideopenspaces.com/invasive-insects-have-already-invaded-17-states-and-are-a-real-summer-pest/<https://www.wideopenspaces.com/invasive-insects-have-already-invaded-17-states-and-are-a-real-summer-pest/>

Invasive spotted lanternflies return to Arizona, 15 other states – 4/16/2025

https://www.azfamily.com/2025/04/16/invasive-spotted-lanternflies-return-arizona-15-other-states/<https://www.azfamily.com/2025/04/16/invasive-spotted-lanternflies-return-arizona-15-other-states/>

Thank you,

Brian

[https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXeuxqN_QPofUDDf3F3HLuLeqKZArb1iU-_Loz9Q4FUJlXbd9wq5hijjSlRusWtHmSWm9JodmN0LQWNFutGZJTGLRHmF6qqRlVAatfP7O2nRkWK_OfhhQ-lk_ojLWrcQ3jyX7NHa-xvAV3EYgY_T3dfHTn4?key=v2T02U-QESdcDmKkfoAgzA]

Brian McGrew

Plant Services Administrator

State Plant Regulatory Official (SPRO)

Office of Plant Services

Plant & Produce Services Division

Arizona Department of Agriculture

Physical:1110 W. Washington Street, Suite 450

Phoenix, AZ 85007

Mailing: 1802 W Jackson St., #78 Phoenix, AZ 85007

602.542.3228

https://agriculture.az.gov/<https://agriculture.az.gov/>
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