Spotted Lanternfly inDuPage County, ILSPOTTED LANTERNFLY GUIDE
DuPage County — the densely populated western Chicago suburb belt — entered watch zone status in 2024 as SLF risk escalated across northeastern Illinois. The county sits along the I-88 (East-West Tollway) and I-355 corridors that connect Chicago's western suburbs to the broader Midwest highway network, creating sustained vehicle-movement introduction pressure. Naperville, the county's largest city, is a major commuter destination with heavy daily traffic from the BNSF Metra line, one of the busiest commuter rail routes in the country. Freight traffic on BNSF's mainline through the county — carrying cargo from the Chicago rail hub to points west — represents a persistent pathway for SLF egg masses hitchhiking on rail equipment. Residents should inspect vehicles and outdoor items, and report any sightings immediately to IDOA.
Highest activity zones
SLF Hotspots in DuPage County, IL
Naperville
Active zone
Downers Grove
Active zone
Wheaton
Active zone
Glen Ellyn
Active zone
Lombard
Active zone
Primary SLF food source
Tree of Heaven in DuPage County, IL
Tree of Heaven occurs along railroad rights-of-way through DuPage County — particularly along the BNSF mainline corridor and freight branch lines — as well as along river margins of the DuPage River, Salt Creek, and Addison Creek. I-88 and I-355 interchange areas and highway margins in Naperville, Downers Grove, and Lombard are surveillance priorities. Urban vacant lots and forest preserve edges in Wheaton and Glen Ellyn also support Ailanthus populations that could anchor SLF if introduced.
Identify Tree of Heaven →Local action resources
What To Do in DuPage County, IL
Report a Sighting
Every sighting in DuPage County, IL maps the invasion front. Report directly to Illinois Dept of Agriculture (IDOA).
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 IL State Guide
County-level data, quarantine zones, treatment guides, and agency resources for the entire state.
See the full IL guide →Community intelligence
Live Sighting Map
See where SLF has been spotted near you in DuPage County, IL. Add your own sighting to help map the front.
Open the Map →Free weekly fight briefing
Fight SLF in DuPage County, IL.
One email per week. Your zip code. Your threat level. Your action plan. Know exactly what to do this week in DuPage County, IL.