Spotted Lanternfly inDakota County, MNSPOTTED LANTERNFLY GUIDE
Dakota County anchors the southern Twin Cities metro and is one of Minnesota's fastest-growing counties, with booming suburbs along I-35E and I-35W that see heavy freight and commuter traffic from southern states. Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville, Lakeville, and Inver Grove Heights all sit along major transportation arteries that connect to infested midwestern states, elevating the county's risk profile as spotted lanternfly continues expanding northwest. The Minnesota Dept of Agriculture has included Dakota County in its 2025 watch zone designation. The county's extensive retail and industrial zones in Eagan and Burnsville are focal points for survey and public education, as nursery stock and landscaping materials arriving from infested regions pose a significant hitchhiker risk.
Highest activity zones
SLF Hotspots in Dakota County, MN
Apple Valley
Active zone
Eagan
Active zone
Burnsville
Active zone
Lakeville
Active zone
Inver Grove Heights
Active zone
Primary SLF food source
Tree of Heaven in Dakota County, MN
Tree of Heaven in Dakota County is scattered but present, particularly along railroad embankments, highway rights-of-way on I-35, and disturbed lots in commercial zones around Burnsville and Eagan. MDA is coordinating with county land managers to map ToH occurrences as part of its proactive SLF monitoring strategy. Removal of ToH in high-risk areas is encouraged to reduce habitat availability ahead of potential SLF arrival.
Identify Tree of Heaven →Local action resources
What To Do in Dakota County, MN
Report a Sighting
Every sighting in Dakota County, MN maps the invasion front. Report directly to Minnesota Dept of Agriculture (MDA).
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 MN State Guide
County-level data, quarantine zones, treatment guides, and agency resources for the entire state.
See the full MN guide →Community intelligence
Live Sighting Map
See where SLF has been spotted near you in Dakota County, MN. Add your own sighting to help map the front.
Open the Map →Free weekly fight briefing
Fight SLF in Dakota County, MN.
One email per week. Your zip code. Your threat level. Your action plan. Know exactly what to do this week in Dakota County, MN.