Spotted Lanternfly Spreads in Richmond

The Arborscapes team has been waiting and preparing for the inevitable arrival of Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) for years. After a handful of sightings along the railroad tracks in Scott’s Addition in 2024/2025, we are now seeing confirmed populations in The Fan, Windsor Farms, Bellevue, the Hermitage Road area, Chesterfield, and surrounding counties.

SLF is an invasive insect native to Asia that feeds on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts. While it does not bite or sting people, heavy infestations can stress trees and other plants. SLF also produces large amounts of sticky honeydew, which can coat patios, decks, vehicles, outdoor furniture, and other surfaces. Honeydew often leads to the growth of black sooty mold, creating an additional nuisance for homeowners.

Unlike many tree pests that target only one or two plant species, SLF feeds on a wide variety of hosts. One of its preferred hosts is Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), another invasive species commonly found along roadsides and woodland edges. However, SLF also feeds on maples, grapes, walnuts, birches, and numerous ornamental trees, giving it the potential to impact many landscapes throughout our area.

Tree-of-Heaven? Not So Heavenly

One of the best ways to help slow the spread of Spotted Lanternfly is learning to identify its favorite host plant.

Key identification characteristics include:

• Large compound leaves that can be 1 to 4 feet long, containing 10 to 40 individual leaflets.
• Large compound leaves that can be 1 to 4 feet long, containing 10 to 40 individual leaflets.
• Clusters of winged seeds. Female trees produce large hanging clusters of papery tan-to-reddish seeds that may remain on the tree through winter.
• Heart-shaped leaf scars. After leaves fall, Tree-of-Heaven twigs display large, heart-shaped leaf scars that are highly distinctive and useful for winter identification.
• Strong odor. When crushed, the leaves and twigs produce a distinctive odor often described as burnt peanut butter, rancid cashews, or spoiled nut butter. Y-U-C-K!

Richmond residents are encouraged to inspect their property for SLF and its egg masses. Nymphs change dramatically in appearance as they develop. While the large, brightly colored adult stage is the most recognizable, younger nymph stages can be easier to overlook and are important to identify early.

If you suspect Spotted Lanternfly activity on your property, contact your arborist for assistance with identification and management recommendations. And remember:

If you see ’em, squash ’em!