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Active Spread β€” Confirmed 2022

Spotted Lanternfly inFredericksburg, VASPOTTED LANTERNFLY GUIDE

Confirmed
2022
Population Served
29,000
Status
Active Spread

Fredericksburg confirmed SLF in 2022, sitting squarely on the I-95 corridor β€” one of the busiest freight and commuter highways on the East Coast. The Rappahannock River provides natural Tree of Heaven habitat running through the city, and the Civil War battlefield parks harbor historic tree canopy now under SLF pressure. VRE commuter rail service connects Fredericksburg workers daily to the heavily infested DC and Northern Virginia metro, making it a key node in the southward spread front. VA statewide quarantine was lifted March 2025, confirming total establishment.

Where it's showing up

Key Neighborhoods

Rappahannock River waterfrontDowntown Fredericksburg historic districtSpotsylvania corridorRoute 1 commercial corridorVRE commuter rail zone

Highest activity zones

SLF Hotspots

1

Rappahannock River corridor (heavy ToH along banks)

Active zone

2

Civil War battlefield parks (Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania NMP)

Active zone

3

I-95 rest stops and interchanges

Active zone

4

VRE Fredericksburg line stations

Active zone

5

Route 1 commercial corridor margins

Active zone

Primary SLF food source

Tree of Heaven in Fredericksburg, VA

The Rappahannock River corridor has established Tree of Heaven populations running through Fredericksburg's urban and historic landscape β€” a primary SLF habitat and spread pathway. Civil War battlefield parks at Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park include historic tree stands now under documented SLF pressure. The I-95 corridor's high vehicle volume and VRE commuter rail service accelerate SLF dispersal between the DC metro and Fredericksburg, reinforcing this city as a key point on the southward spread front through Virginia.

Identify Tree of Heaven β†’

Local action resources

What To Do in Fredericksburg, VA

Report a Sighting

Every sighting in Fredericksburg, VA maps the invasion front. Report directly to Virginia VDACS.

Report Now β†’

Squish on Sight

See a spotted lanternfly? Kill it immediately β€” it is legal and encouraged in all states. Learn the best kill methods.

Full Fight Guide β†’

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 β†’

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 β†’

Community intelligence

Live Sighting Map

See where SLF has been spotted near you in Fredericksburg, VA. Add your own sighting to help map the front.

Open the Map β†’

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