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Confirmed β€” Active Spread β€” Confirmed 2024

Spotted Lanternfly inRoanoke, VASPOTTED LANTERNFLY GUIDE

Confirmed
2024
Population Served
100,000
Status
Confirmed β€” Active Spread

Roanoke confirmed SLF in 2024, marking the pest's arrival at the Blue Ridge gateway city and I-81 hub in southwestern Virginia. As a critical freight interchange where I-81 intersects with US-460, Roanoke is a high-priority SLF spread node connecting Hampton Roads to the Tennessee border. The Roanoke River corridor and Blue Ridge Parkway's scenic approaches to the city provide natural SLF movement pathways into western Virginia's mountain ecosystems.

Where it's showing up

Key Neighborhoods

Downtown RoanokeGrandin VillageSouth RoanokeSalemVinton

Highest activity zones

SLF Hotspots

1

Downtown Roanoke

Active zone

2

Grandin Village

Active zone

3

South Roanoke

Active zone

4

Salem

Active zone

5

Vinton

Active zone

Primary SLF food source

Tree of Heaven in Roanoke, VA

Roanoke River banks provide prime Tree of Heaven habitat running through the city's urban core, while Norfolk Southern's main line through Roanoke β€” a major rail hub in the region β€” accelerates SLF movement along freight corridors connecting Virginia to Tennessee and the broader mid-Atlantic. The Blue Ridge Parkway corridor represents a sensitive SLF spread risk into mountain ecosystems. VA quarantine was lifted March 2025, confirming statewide establishment.

Identify Tree of Heaven β†’

Local action resources

What To Do in Roanoke, VA

Report a Sighting

Every sighting in Roanoke, VA maps the invasion front. Report directly to Virginia DCR.

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 Roanoke, VA. Add your own sighting to help map the front.

Open the Map β†’

Free weekly fight briefing

Fight SLF in Roanoke, VA.

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