Spotted Lanternfly inChicago, ILSPOTTED LANTERNFLY GUIDE
Cook County entered the SLF watch zone in 2024 as the pest expanded westward through Indiana toward Chicago's southern border. As the nation's largest rail and freight hub, Chicago faces elevated risk of vehicle-based SLF introduction — egg masses on rail cars and freight containers transiting the region pose a significant spread threat. The South Side's proximity to Indiana, where SLF is established, makes it the highest-priority monitoring area in the metro.
Where it's showing up
Key Neighborhoods
Highest activity zones
SLF Hotspots
South Side near Indiana border
Active zone
Calumet Park lakefront
Active zone
Blue Island freight corridors
Active zone
South Shore neighborhood
Active zone
Pullman National Monument area
Active zone
Primary SLF food source
Tree of Heaven in Chicago, IL
Chicago's South Side rail yards, industrial south side corridors, and Calumet River margins harbor established Tree of Heaven populations that would provide ideal SLF habitat if the pest reaches Cook County. The dense freight rail network connecting Chicago to Indiana — where SLF is already established — makes rail yards a critical early-detection priority.
Identify Tree of Heaven →Local action resources
What To Do in Chicago, IL
Report a Sighting
Every sighting in Chicago, IL maps the invasion front. Report directly to Illinois Dept 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 IL State Guide
County-level data, quarantine zones, treatment guides, and agency resources for the entire state.
See the full IL guide →Community intelligence
Live Sighting Map
See where SLF has been spotted near you in Chicago, IL. Add your own sighting to help map the front.
Open the Map →Free weekly fight briefing
Fight SLF in Chicago, IL.
One email per week. Your zip code. Your threat level. Your action plan. Know exactly what to do this week in Chicago, IL.