The spotted lanternfly has been detected in Loudoun County as well as neighboring counties of Prince William, Clarke and Frederick and the City of Winchester. Virginia Cooperative Extension has been monitoring for the insect for more than two years through its local offices and can now confirm its presence in Loudoun.

This presence of this invasive species is concerning because the spotted lanternfly can significantly damage more than 100 native plants and trees that are economically important in Virginia, such as grapevines, hops, fruits and vegetables. The spotted lanternfly prefers to feed on Tree of Heaven; therefore, efforts to remove this plant from your property are beneficial.

The insect can spread through natural means and through artificial means, such as hitching a ride on cars and through routine commerce, such as the transportation of firewood from an infested area to a non-infested area. The insect is not harmful to humans and pets but is a serious nuisance pest to property owners when present in high numbers.

How the Public Can Help

The County is asking the public for help slow the spread of the spotted lanternfly across our towns and the county. Together, we can educate residents and businesses owners/operators on how to spot the insect and what to do when found in Loudoun.

Property owners and residents should take these steps to find and destroy the spotted lanternfly on private property:

Educate yourself about the spotted lanternfly so you know how to find it. The appearance of the insect changes dramatically throughout its life cycle. Learn more and see photos at loudoun.gov/spottedlanternfly.

Look for live insects in the various stages of its life cycle and for its egg masses by checking around your property, such as on tree trunks, wheel wells, under and around vehicles, lawn furniture, fences, storage sheds, rocks, and other smooth surfaces. The spotted lanternfly is a very effective hitchhiker on vehicles and on goods, so it's important to check for them before returning from infested areas.

If found, kill live spotted lanternflies and/or destroy/scrape off its egg masses from surfaces.

Take a photo and report findings of the spotted lanternfly in the towns and Loudoun through an online form at loudoun.gov/spottedlanternfly

Property Owner's Role

The Commonwealth of Virginia and Loudoun County do not have the regulatory responsibility for eradicating the invasive species on private property or on Town-owned property. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) can provide assistance regarding the appropriate responses to spotted lanternfly infestations and may be a valuable resource to you. Individual property owners should take the steps indicated above to help slow the spread of this harmful insect.

The Town of Middleburg will be conducting regular inspections of its properties, including street trees along the roadways in Town, to eradicate any presence of the spotted lanternfly.

Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) Loudoun and VDACS are interested in tracking the spotted lanternfly in our community, which is one reason reporting findings through the online form is helpful.

Some industries that rely on crops may choose to use appropriate pesticides, which the property/business owner must facilitate and pay for. There are also pesticides for residential use available at hardware stores that are marketed for exterminating the spotted lanternfly. Information about pesticides is available through VDACS and we have placed links to that information on the County's website.

Loudoun County Government intends to monitor for and address spotted lanternfly presence on County-owned property.

Resources

The County's public information campaign will kick off this week with a news release and other coordinated activities that target specific audiences who are most likely to be impacted by the arrival of the spotted lanternfly.

We welcome your help spreading the word. An information sheet is attached, which provides the basic information everyone needs to know about this issue, including the characteristics of the spotted lanternfly, how to spot it, how to prevent and manage the spotted lanternfly on your property, and what to do when you see the spotted lanternfly.

Please use the information sheet to educate yourself and please share this information with staff, residents and businesses throughout the communities you serve.

In addition, the resources for your social media, flyers and posters to print and share or post, and other tools, such as information for businesses, are posted on the county's website here.