Spotted Lanternfly inColumbia, SCSPOTTED LANTERNFLY GUIDE
Columbia — South Carolina's state capital — entered the SLF watch zone in 2025 as the pest's southeastern spread accelerated. Richland County sits at the convergence of I-20 and I-26, two major freight corridors linking the Midlands to the heavily infested Northeast. The Congaree River floodplain and downtown CSX rail corridor provide prime Tree of Heaven habitat through the urban core, while the University of South Carolina campus adds significant monitored green space.
Where it's showing up
Key Neighborhoods
Highest activity zones
SLF Hotspots
Five Points
Active zone
Vista
Active zone
Northeast Columbia
Active zone
Irmo
Active zone
Cayce
Active zone
Primary SLF food source
Tree of Heaven in Columbia, SC
The CSX rail corridor through Columbia is a primary SLF introduction pathway, with freight cars moving between confirmed infestation zones in the Carolinas and the Midlands. The Congaree River floodplain south of the city has established Tree of Heaven populations providing natural SLF establishment habitat. I-20 and I-26 highway medians through the metro area have ToH in disturbed roadside corridors that are early-detection monitoring priorities for Richland County.
Identify Tree of Heaven →Local action resources
What To Do in Columbia, SC
Report a Sighting
Every sighting in Columbia, SC maps the invasion front. Report directly to SC 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 SC State Guide
County-level data, quarantine zones, treatment guides, and agency resources for the entire state.
See the full SC guide →Community intelligence
Live Sighting Map
See where SLF has been spotted near you in Columbia, SC. Add your own sighting to help map the front.
Open the Map →Free weekly fight briefing
Fight SLF in Columbia, SC.
One email per week. Your zip code. Your threat level. Your action plan. Know exactly what to do this week in Columbia, SC.