SPOTTED LANTERNFLY (Lycorma delicatula)
The Spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect pest in Virginia that damages grape vines, fruit trees, maples, and a wide variety of other plants by feeding on sap. Spotted lanternfly was originally found in Virginia in 2018 and has now been found in more than half of Virginia’s counties and independent cities.
Spotted lanternfly spreads primarily by hitchhiking—laying egg masses on vehicles, trains, and outdoor materials. This unintentional movement allows it to rapidly expand into new areas.
What You Can Do
Virginia residents can help slow the spread of spotted lanternfly by:
- Checking vehicles and outdoor items before leaving infested areas
- Killing any spotted lanternfly life stages (eggs, nymphs, adults) found
- Managing infestations on their property
- Reporting this pest to VDACS using our Invasive Species Reporting Tool
Where Reporting is No Longer Needed
VDACS no longer requires reports of spotted lanternfly from the following counties and independent cities:
Augusta, Bedford, Buena Vista, Campbell, Caroline, Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Orange, Radford, Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Rockbridge, Salem, Stafford, Staunton, Waynesboro, Alexandria, Arlington, Carroll, Clarke, Culpeper, Fairfax County, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Fauquier, Frederick, Greene, Harrisonburg, Henry, Lexington, Loudoun, Madison, Manassas, Manassas Park, Page, Prince William, Rappahannock, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Warren, Winchester, and Wythe.
Quarantine and Permit Information
As of March 27, 2025, Virginia's spotted lanternfly quarantine has been repealed. This means that businesses moving regulated articles within Virginia are no longer required to hold a permit.
However, some states still maintain spotted lanternfly quarantines and may require businesses shipping from Virginia to have a valid spotted lanternfly permit. Permits can be obtained through Pennsylvania's Spotted Lanternfly Permit Training for Businesses Program. Existing Virginia permits are no longer valid.
Businesses may work with VDACS to establish compliance agreements to meet the requirements of other states. To establish a compliance agreement with our office, please email complianceagreements@vdacs.virginia.gov.
Additional Resources
- What is Spotted Lanternfly
- Spotted Lanternfly in Virginia
- Look-A-Likes (pdf)
- How to Identify Tree of Heaven, a Favorite Host of Spotted Lanternfly
- Map of Spotted Lanternfly locations in the United States
- Información en Español:
Management and Treatment
- General Treatment Information (pdf)
- Best Management Practices for Spotted Lanternfly in Yards and Landscapes (pdf)
- Homeowner Tips and Inspection Check Sheet (pdf)
- Best Management Practices for/in Vineyards (pdf)
- How to Manage Tree of Heaven, a Favorite Host of Spotted Lanternfly
Reporting Spotted lanternfly
Report spotted lanternfly sightings using the Invasive Species Reporting Tool.
Contact
Please direct further questions to spottedlanternfly@vdacs.virginia.gov.
