March 27, 2025

Repeal of Virginia’s Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine

Richmond, VA - Effective March 27, 2025, the Virginia Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine has been repealed. The quarantine repeal removes all regulatory requirements restricting intrastate movement in Virginia of the spotted lanternfly or articles capable of moving the spotted lanternfly. Interstate movement of spotted lanternfly or articles capable of moving the spotted lanternfly may still be regulated by the importing state.

The initial Virginia Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine was established in 2019 for Frederick County and the city of Winchester to slow the spread of the invasive pests to un-infested areas of the Commonwealth. Since that time, the quarantine has been expanded to 12 counties and ten cities to keep up with the spread of spotted lanternfly populations throughout the state. Staff from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), with regulatory approval from the Virginia Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services, has determined that the quarantine is no longer effective at slowing the rate of spread of this invasive pest. As of March 27, 2025, sixty-seven Virginia cities and counties have reproducing and persistent populations of the spotted lanternfly.

Virginia-based businesses shipping products capable of transporting invasive spotted lanternfly to states or other countries with import restrictions will need to first obtain or maintain their existing spotted lanternfly permit, establish a compliance agreement, or request a phytosanitary certificate. Please visit www.vdacs.virginia.gov/plant-industry-services-spotted-lanternfly.shtml for more information or contact the VDACS Office of Plant Industry Services at (804) 786-3515.

The areas of Albemarle, Augusta, Carroll, Clarke, Frederick, Page, Prince William, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Warren, and Wythe counties and the cities of Buena Vista, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Lynchburg, Manassas, Manassas Park, Staunton, Waynesboro, and Winchester were under spotted lanternfly quarantine.

Spotted lanternfly is an invasive planthopper that feeds on plants like grapes, hops, stone fruits, and hardwood trees. The invasive pest typically feeds in large numbers and excretes a fluid that causes damaging sooty mold, which can further damage plants.

VDACS will continue to monitor spotted lanternfly spread to un-infested areas and the agency encourages the public to continue to submit reports through VDACS’ Office of Plant Industry Services Invasive Species Reporting Tool.