Spotted Lanternfly inColumbia, MDSPOTTED LANTERNFLY GUIDE
Columbia — Howard County's massive planned community with 3,600+ acres of open space and natural areas — confirmed SLF in 2022 and is now heavily infested. The planned community's extensive open space network, with natural area disturbed edges that are prime Tree of Heaven colonization habitat, creates exceptional SLF establishment conditions. Lake Kittamaqundi, the Inner Arbor Trail, and Route 29/US-40 corridors are primary hotspots. Columbia's 104,000 residents and dense suburban tree canopy sustain large SLF colonies across Howard County's largest community. MD statewide quarantine in effect as of March 2026.
Where it's showing up
Key Neighborhoods
Highest activity zones
SLF Hotspots
Lake Kittamaqundi lakefront (prime SLF lakeside habitat)
Active zone
Inner Arbor Trail open space network (ToH in disturbed edges of 3,600+ acres)
Active zone
Route 29 / US-40 corridor (high vehicle traffic and highway margin ToH)
Active zone
Columbia Villages residential tree canopy
Active zone
Centennial Lake and park margins
Active zone
Primary SLF food source
Tree of Heaven in Columbia, MD
Columbia's 3,600+ acres of planned open space and natural areas include extensive disturbed edge habitat — the transition zones between managed green space and natural areas where Tree of Heaven thrives. The Inner Arbor Trail network runs through open space with established ToH in disturbed edge corridors, providing prime SLF habitat throughout the community. Lake Kittamaqundi lakefront and Centennial Lake park margins have ToH along waterfront edges. Route 29 and US-40 highway corridor margins are heavily colonized by Tree of Heaven, serving as primary SLF spread vectors through Howard County.
Identify Tree of Heaven →Active Quarantine Alert
Maryland is under a statewide spotted lanternfly quarantine as of March 2026. Moving plants, yard waste, or outdoor furniture out of Maryland may require inspection.
Local action resources
What To Do in Columbia, MD
Report a Sighting
Every sighting in Columbia, MD maps the invasion front. Report directly to Maryland 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 Maryland State Guide
County-level data, quarantine zones, treatment guides, and agency resources for the entire state.
See the full Maryland guide →Community intelligence
Live Sighting Map
See where SLF has been spotted near you in Columbia, MD. Add your own sighting to help map the front.
Open the Map →Free weekly fight briefing
Fight SLF in Columbia, MD.
One email per week. Your zip code. Your threat level. Your action plan. Know exactly what to do this week in Columbia, MD.