The Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive planthopper that was discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014.

• Learn more about Spotted Lanternfly from Virginia Cooperative Extension
• Read the Spotted Lanternfly Fact Sheet

It’s important to take a photo or collect the specimen (after it’s stomped!) to help experts verify the sighting. Report a Spotted Lanternfly

You can help to stop the spotted lanternfly!

Inspect Vehicles

Inspect all vehicles, trailers, boats, ATVs, or RVs before driving away from areas known to have SLF.  Kill any SLF found. 

Inspect Outdoor Household Items

Inspect all outdoor furniture, play sets, garden equipment, outdoor machinery, or anything else stored outside. This list can include anything else not otherwise specified that could move any life stages of SLF, including eggs. If you plan to move outdoor items out of the quarantine area, please inspect those items for SLF. Kill any SLF found. You can document your inspection using this Homeowner Checklist. 

Manage Tree of Heaven, SLF’s favorite host

Tree of Heaven (also known as Paradise tree) is an invasive tree that is the preferred food source of Spotted Lanternfly. Removing it preemptively has been shown to reduce insect egg masses by 75%, so that could greatly reduce its spread and impact to our county. Be sure to use a herbicide when removing Tree of Heaven.  It is a very strong stump and root sprouter.  Learn how to identify and effective ways to control this tree.

A Spotted Lanternfly Permit, issued by VDACS, is now required to move regulated materials out of the quarantine area. Other states with quarantines for spotted lanternfly may also request this permit for materials and goods brought from the quarantine area in Virginia.

Regulated materials are items considered to be a risk for the movement of spotted lanternfly to un-infested areas and include (but are not limited to):

• Any life stage of the spotted lanternfly;
• Live or dead trees; nursery stock; green lumber; firewood; logs; perennial plants; garden plants or produce; stumps; branches; mulch; or composted or un-composted chips, bark, or yard waste; 
• Outdoor industrial or construction materials or equipment; concrete barriers or structures; stone, quarry material, ornamental stone, or concrete; or construction, landscaping, or remodeling waste; 
• Shipping containers, such as wood crates or boxes; 
• Outdoor household articles, including recreational vehicles; lawn tractors or mowers; grills; grill or furniture covers; tarps; mobile homes; tile; stone; deck boards; or 
• Any equipment, trucks, or vehicles not stored indoors; any means of conveyance utilized for movement of an article; any vehicle; or any trailer, wagon. 

Any business moving regulated articles outside of the quarantine area is required to obtain a permit from VDACS. This commonly includes (but is not limited to):

• Farms and other agribusinesses
• Lawn, landscaping, and tree care businesses
• Loggers and foresters
• Fruit and grape growers, plant nurseries, and hops growers
• Christmas tree growers
• Shipping, trucking, and moving firms

To obtain your Spotted Lanternfly permit through Virginia, you must submit proof that the Spotted Lanternfly Permit Training, or equivalent training, was completed along with the Spotted Lanternfly Permit Application.

• Virginia Spotted Lanternfly Permit Brochure
• Register for the Spotted Lanternfly Permit Training
• Spotted Lanternfly Permit Application

Questions about the quarantine, decision to expand the quarantine, and permitting should be directed to VDACS spottedlanternfly@vdacs.virginia.gov 804-786-3515