Expansion of Virginia’s Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine

By authority granted under Section 3.2-703 of the Code of Virginia, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) expanded the Virginia Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine (2VAC5-336) on March 17, 2021, to include the counties of Clarke and Warren. Expansion of the quarantine became necessary after surveys indicated that spotted lanternfly populations had become established in these localities and eradication was no longer feasible.

Once established, the spotted lanternfly has the potential to spread to uninfested areas, either through natural means or through the artificial movement of infested articles. The quarantine is intended to prevent the artificial spread of this pest. Under the terms of the quarantine, regulated articles are prohibited from moving out of the quarantined area unless responsible parties first obtain a spotted lanternfly permit and regulated articles are free of life stages of the spotted lanternfly. Regulated articles include, but are not limited to: any life stage of the Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula; plants or plant parts, including the following: live or dead trees; nursery stock; green lumber; firewood; logs; perennial plants; garden plants or produce; stumps; branches; mulch; or composted or uncomposted chips, bark, or yard waste; outdoor industrial or construction materials or equipment; concrete barriers or structures; stone or quarry material, ornamental stone, or concrete; or construction, landscaping, or remodeling waste; shipping containers, such as wood crates or boxes; outdoor household articles, including the following: 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.

For additional information regarding the Virginia Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine and the Spotted Lanternfly permitting process, visit the VDACS website at vdacs.virginia.gov/plant-industry-services or contact VDACS at:

Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Office of Plant Industry Services
P.O. Box 1163
Richmond, VA 23218

Phone: (804) 786-3515
Hearing Impaired: (800) 828-1120
Email: Spottedlanternfly@vdacs.virginia.gov