KY FY25 SLF Outreach 5.0397.01

Until recently, spotted lanternfly (SLF) had been found in states bordering Kentucky such as Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia, but the known infestations were not close to Kentucky''s borders. However, a 2021 detection in Indiana and a 2022 detection in Ohio were both just across the Ohio River from Kentucky. In October of 2023, we had our first SLF detection in Gallatin County, Kentucky, near the Indiana infestation. When the threat approached Kentucky’s border starting in 2021, we submitted SLF Outreach proposals and received PPA 7721 funding for FY22 and FY23. These funds allowed us to focus on SLF outreach. The personnel in our office are dedicated to educating the public about SLF since it is even more important to do so now that it’s been found in the state.