In 2021, Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) was detected in Indiana, only 4 miles from the Ohio River and Indiana's border with Kentucky. With such an imminent threat to Kentucky, in 2022 we hired a dedicated staff member to focus on SLF survey and outreach activities. He conducted visual surveys, set circle traps, conducted outreach to industries such as vineyards that would be impacted by SLF, and conducted site visits when citizens reported suspect insects. 

SLF was found for the first time in Kentucky in Gallatin County in 2023.

Year	Survey Activities	Map
2022	23 sites with 24 circle traps (see map) 13 additional sites with visual surveys  Visual surveys for Tree of Heaven (SLF's preferred host) in all sites 4 sites with visual surveys due to reports from citizens