Spotted Lanternfly inCharlotte, NCSPOTTED LANTERNFLY GUIDE
North Carolina confirmed SLF in western counties in 2022. Charlotte and Mecklenburg County are under close watch — the I-85 corridor from Virginia is the primary risk vector. Mecklenburg County Extension is actively monitoring. The urban heat island effect may allow earlier SLF establishment in Charlotte than in cooler parts of the state.
Where it's showing up
Key Neighborhoods
Highest activity zones
SLF Hotspots
Freedom Park
Active zone
McDowell Nature Preserve
Active zone
Catawba River area
Active zone
I-485 outer belt tree corridors
Active zone
Primary SLF food source
Tree of Heaven in Charlotte, NC
Tree of Heaven is established in Charlotte-area disturbed lots, highway margins, and greenway corridors. The I-85 corridor from confirmed Virginia populations represents the highest introduction risk. Mecklenburg County Extension is tracking early detection closely along the Catawba River and outer belt corridors.
Identify Tree of Heaven →Local action resources
What To Do in Charlotte, NC
Report a Sighting
Every sighting in Charlotte, NC maps the invasion front. Report directly to NC Department of Agriculture.
Report Now →Squish on Sight
See a spotted lanternfly? Kill it immediately — it is legal and encouraged in all states. Learn the best kill methods.
Full Fight Guide →Map ToH in Your Block
Tree of Heaven removal cuts off SLF food supply. Add ToH sightings to the community map to guide removal efforts.
View Sighting Map →Statewide resources
Full NC State Guide
County-level data, quarantine zones, treatment guides, and agency resources for the entire state.
See the full NC guide →Community intelligence
Live Sighting Map
See where SLF has been spotted near you in Charlotte, NC. Add your own sighting to help map the front.
Open the Map →Free weekly fight briefing
Fight SLF in Charlotte, NC.
One email per week. Your zip code. Your threat level. Your action plan. Know exactly what to do this week in Charlotte, NC.