The Threat to Maryland’s Wine Industry: How a Peculiar Pest Can Cause Devastation Chris Lehoux, May 22, 2024 By Tara Lynch Updated on: May 21, 2024 / 6:37 PM EDT / CBS Baltimore BALTIMORE — Are the pesky spotted lanternflies here to stay? These pests are causing headaches for Maryland winemakers, who say the sap-sucking insects could sour business. The bugs are notorious for clinging onto cars or individuals to travel from one location to another. This summer they will once again be amongst the tourists visiting the wineries. “They infiltrate and their intention is to drain the sap out of the vine,” spoken by Sarah O’Herron, the initiator and joint owner of Black Ankle Vineyards in Mount Airy. “A significant infestation can lead to the death of the plant.” The intrusive species is sapping the merriment from winemakers, potentially leading to expensive damages to decades-old vines. “A majority of them are 20 years old and the fruit they yield improves with age. Thus, if the plant’s strength is being drained, the possibility of a drop in your wine quality increases,” says O’Herron. “Apart from the expenses related to the plant itself, like planting it and caring for it over the years, it’s impossible to compensate for.” The state issued a quarantine for 19 counties and Baltimore City, alerting Marylanders that these bugs are back. Removing them permanently is proving challenging; however, the most effective method is mechanical removal. The imposed quarantine restricts the transport of regulated articles possibly carrying the spotted lanternfly in any of its development stages, including egg masses, nymphs, and adults. “Simply crush them, step on them, inspect your vehicles, examine yourself, make sure you’re not transporting this bug anywhere,” stated Michael McCracken, an agriculture inspector for the Maryland Department of Agriculture. Although the summer months might pose a challenge, O’Herron states that the agricultural sector has always countered Mother Nature. While this won’t annihilate the industry, it will indeed be a bother. We’ll have a few irritating years and then I hope it’ll all kind of settle back and we’ll be on to the next thing,” O’Herron said. These bugs cannot hurt humans. Before driving, make sure to check your car so that they don’t get a free ride to a place they haven’t been. Businesses, municipalities and government agencies requiring any regulated item’s movement within or from the quarantine zone must have a specialized permit. The permit can be obtained by completing a free online training course and exam through the PennState Extension, according to the MDA. Regulated articles might include landscaping waste, remodeling or construction waste, packing materials such as wooden boxes or crates, plant and plant parts, vehicles, and other outdoor equipment. All spotted lanternfly permits are exchangeable and valid across Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. State’s Agriculture Department urges those living in the quarantine zones to be vigilant in preventing the spotted lanternflies spread. Sightings may be reported through MDA’s online survey. Other informational materials are available on the program’s website. The best advice – if you see them, squish them. First published on May 21, 2024 / 5:09 PM EDT © 2024 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. About the Author: Chris Lehoux Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored! Wine