Effective March 27, 2025, the Virginia Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine has been repealed, removing all regulatory requirements for intrastate movement of the pest or articles capable of transporting it within Virginia. However, interstate movement of the spotted lanternfly remains subject to regulations by the importing state.
Initially established in 2019 for Frederick County and the city of Winchester, the quarantine aimed to curb the spread of the invasive pests. Over time, the quarantine expanded to encompass 12 counties and ten cities in an effort to contain the spotted lanternfly’s spread. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), with approval from the Virginia Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services, determined the quarantine is no longer effective. Currently, 67 Virginia cities and counties report persistent populations of the pest.
Virginia-based businesses still need to adhere to export restrictions. They must obtain or maintain a spotted lanternfly permit, establish a compliance agreement, or request a phytosanitary certificate before transporting products to states or countries with import restrictions. More information is available at www.vdacs.virginia.gov.
Counties formerly under quarantine include Albemarle, Augusta, Carroll, Clarke, Frederick, Page, Prince William, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Warren, and Wythe. Cities under quarantine were Buena Vista, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Lynchburg, Manassas, Manassas Park, Staunton, Waynesboro, and Winchester.
The spotted lanternfly, an invasive planthopper, feeds on plants such as grapes, hops, stone fruits, and hardwood trees. Their excretions result in sooty mold, further harming plants.
VDACS will continue monitoring the spread of the spotted lanternfly and encourages public reporting through its Invasive Species Reporting Tool.
