Spotted Lanternfly inChesterfield County, VASPOTTED LANTERNFLY GUIDE
Chesterfield County forms the southern and western arc of the Richmond metro area and confirmed spotted lanternfly in 2023 as the infestation expanded outward from the city. With nearly 370,000 residents, it is one of the fastest-growing counties in Virginia, and that suburban growth is accelerating SLF spread — new construction corridors and landscaping movements create high-risk pathways for transporting egg masses. The James River corridor running along the northern county boundary, CSX rail lines through Chester and Colonial Heights, and the sprawling retail and commercial zones along Midlothian Turnpike are primary vectors connecting the Richmond urban core to the county's residential communities.
Highest activity zones
SLF Hotspots in Chesterfield County, VA
Chester
Active zone
Midlothian
Active zone
Colonial Heights border
Active zone
Bon Air
Active zone
Swift Creek
Active zone
Primary SLF food source
Tree of Heaven in Chesterfield County, VA
James River floodplain margins, CSX railroad lines through the Chester and Colonial Heights border, and I-95/I-64 interchange medians in Chesterfield County host Tree of Heaven populations that link Richmond's established SLF infestation to spreading suburban zones. Ailanthus is particularly dense along Swift Creek and the Appomattox River corridor near the county's southern boundary.
Identify Tree of Heaven →Local action resources
What To Do in Chesterfield County, VA
Report a Sighting
Every sighting in Chesterfield County, VA maps the invasion front. Report directly to Virginia DCR.
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 VA State Guide
County-level data, quarantine zones, treatment guides, and agency resources for the entire state.
See the full VA guide →Community intelligence
Live Sighting Map
See where SLF has been spotted near you in Chesterfield County, VA. Add your own sighting to help map the front.
Open the Map →Free weekly fight briefing
Fight SLF in Chesterfield County, VA.
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