Moving To/From States That Require Spongy Moth and Spotted Lanternfly Form Completion
To help simplify your move, 1-800-PACK-RAT has gathered all of the information required if you are moving to/from a state that requires the completed Gypsy Moth/Spongy Moth and Spotted Lanternfly forms. If you do not have these forms completed and returned to us before your move begins, it could cause serious delays or result in penalties. To avoid any inconvenience, it is best to understand if you need these forms, and to fill everything out properly so that you can return the form to us before your move begins. If you have any questions during this process, our moving experts are here to help, just call us at 1-800-722-5728!The State of California requires these forms. If they are not completed, it could cause serious delays in your shipment or result in significant penalties
Here are some common questions:
- Why are these forms required?
Gypsy Moths, or now known as Spongy Moths, are highly destructive to America’s vegetation and woodlands. They are known to feed on more than 300 trees and shrubs and have an enormous appetite. Left unchecked, they can leave a forest barren – and they like to travel! Spotted Lanternflies also feed on fruit, ornamental, and woody trees, which can lead to major issues for the agricultural and lumber industries. The USDA and its partners are working hard to protect our woodlands by reducing the spread of Spongy Moths and Spotted Lanternflies and their egg masses which often attach themselves to outdoor furniture and vehicles. By checking all of your outdoor household items, you can help protect your new neighborhood and community.
- Do I need to complete these forms?
If you are moving to California, you need to complete these forms. You also need to complete these forms if you are moving from a quarantined area; the map of Spongy Moth quarantined areas can be found here on the USDA's website. If you are not moving to California and you are not moving from a quarantined area, then this law does not apply to you and your move.
- If I am moving to California or from a quarantined area, what do I need to do?
If this law does apply to you, you will need to use the self-inspection checklists or hire a certified applicator to inspect your outdoor household items. It is suggested that these checklists are completed on moving day or as close as possible to moving day, especially if you are moving between April and August. You can find more information here.
- Where can I access the forms that are required?
You can download the necessary forms here.
- Where can I go if I have questions?
You can call us at 1-800-722-5728 and one of our moving experts can help!
- Where do I send my completed form?
You can email it to us at gypsymoth@1800packrat.com or fax it to 1-888-301-7855 before your move date.
Steps to take to complete the Spongy Moth and Spotted Lanternfly Forms:
- Determine if you are moving to/from a state that requires the completion of the Spongy Moth and Spotted Lanternfly forms (if you are moving to California or from a quarantined area, then these forms are required).
- If you meet those requirements, decide if you will complete the inspection yourself or hire a certified applicator (if you hire a certified applicator, be sure to get the signed copy of the completed checklists).
- When going through the list of items, be sure to carefully inspect all surfaces and crevices of your outdoor items, including patio furniture, lawn equipment, toys, grills, trailers, and vehicles for Spongy Moth or Spotted Lanternfly egg masses.
- If you find any egg masses, remove and destroy them. You can remove them by scraping them off with a putty knife, stiff brush, or similar hand tool. Then you can dispose of them in a container of hot, soapy water, or place them in a plastic bag, seal it, and set it in the sun.
- Check off all items that apply as you inspect your outdoor items.
- Sign the form and email it to 1-800-PACK-RAT at gypsymoth@1800packrat.com or fax it to 1-888-301-7855 before your move date.
