Spotted Lanternfly inCharlottesville, VASPOTTED LANTERNFLY GUIDE
Albemarle County confirmed SLF in 2023, placing Charlottesville at the intersection of several major SLF risk factors. The University of Virginia's expansive campus — Thomas Jefferson's UNESCO World Heritage academical village — features one of the largest institutional tree canopies in Virginia, providing substantial SLF habitat. Monticello and Montpelier, two of America's most significant historic sites, have grounds under active SLF monitoring. The I-64 corridor brings SLF pressure from Richmond to the east and connects westward through the Blue Ridge. Charlottesville is the hub of the Charlottesville AVA wine region, where dozens of Albemarle County vineyards face growing SLF pressure. The Blue Ridge Mountains foothills create a convergence of natural corridors and human transport vectors that accelerate local spread. VA quarantine lifted March 2025.
Where it's showing up
Key Neighborhoods
Highest activity zones
SLF Hotspots
University of Virginia campus (large tree canopy, Thomas Jefferson's academical village)
Active zone
Monticello estate grounds
Active zone
Rivanna River greenway corridor
Active zone
I-64 highway margin corridors
Active zone
Charlottesville AVA vineyard margins in Albemarle County
Active zone
Primary SLF food source
Tree of Heaven in Charlottesville, VA
The University of Virginia's large campus tree canopy — including mature hardwoods lining the Lawn and surrounding academical village grounds — provides prime SLF habitat in the heart of Charlottesville. Rivanna River greenway corridor has established Tree of Heaven along its banks, serving as a natural SLF spread pathway through the city. I-64 highway margins have colonized ToH supporting egg mass dispersal connecting Richmond's heavy infestation zone to the Shenandoah Valley. Charlottesville AVA vineyard operators in Albemarle County are on high alert as SLF populations build — the region's wine grapes and hop yards face direct feeding damage risk. Monticello's historic landscape gardens are under active SLF monitoring by National Park Service and Thomas Jefferson Foundation staff.
Identify Tree of Heaven →Local action resources
What To Do in Charlottesville, VA
Report a Sighting
Every sighting in Charlottesville, VA maps the invasion front. Report directly to Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
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 Virginia State Guide
County-level data, quarantine zones, treatment guides, and agency resources for the entire state.
See the full Virginia guide →Community intelligence
Live Sighting Map
See where SLF has been spotted near you in Charlottesville, VA. Add your own sighting to help map the front.
Open the Map →Free weekly fight briefing
Fight SLF in Charlottesville, VA.
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