State and federal agriculture officials are asking for the public’s help to control the spread of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect that threatens Pennsylvania’s businesses, trade, and economy.

The inch-long black, red and white spotted insect native to Southeast Asia was first identified in the state in 2014. Thirteen counties in southeastern Pennsylvania are under quarantine, including Berks, Lancaster, and Lebanon.

The U.S. and state departments of Agriculture are asking people to be on the lookout for the bug now that eggs are beginning to hatch. Officials especially want to know if the pest is spotted somewhere outside of the quarantine area.

People spread the insect by moving infested material or items containing egg masses.

“This pest is a great hitchhiker and can travel on items residents and businesses move,” said Kevin Shea, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Administrator. “You can help stop the spread by looking for and reporting any signs of this damaging insect.”

The spotted lanternfly is a threat to hardwood timber including oak, maple, poplar, and walnut. It also feeds on fruits such as apples, apricots, cherries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, and plums.

People should inspect their trees and plants for signs of the pest, particularly at dusk and at night when the bugs tend to gather in large groups on the trunks of trees or stems of plants.

You can report any signs of the damaging insect by contacting your local Extension office. You can also call the state Department of Agriculture at 1-866-253-7189, or email badbug@pa.gov.