Spotted Lanternfly inWashington County, RISPOTTED LANTERNFLY GUIDE
Washington County — known locally as South County — is a coastal watch zone as of 2024, with SLF populations spreading south along I-95 from Kent County and via coastal Route 1. The county's coastal economy, including URI campus in South Kingstown, beach tourism in Narragansett, and Amtrak's Northeast Corridor through Westerly, creates multiple introduction vectors. Residents and beachgoers should inspect vehicles and outdoor gear before leaving the area.
Highest activity zones
SLF Hotspots in Washington County, RI
South Kingstown
Active zone
Narragansett
Active zone
Westerly
Active zone
Charlestown
Active zone
Richmond
Active zone
Primary SLF food source
Tree of Heaven in Washington County, RI
Tree of Heaven grows along the Amtrak Northeast Corridor rail line through Westerly and along Route 1 coastal margins in Washington County. Coastal shipping traffic at Point Judith and Block Island Sound ferry routes represent additional SLF introduction risk, and river valley Ailanthus stands in Richmond and Charlestown could anchor inland populations if SLF becomes established.
Identify Tree of Heaven →Local action resources
What To Do in Washington County, RI
Report a Sighting
Every sighting in Washington County, RI maps the invasion front. Report directly to Rhode Island DEM.
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 RI State Guide
County-level data, quarantine zones, treatment guides, and agency resources for the entire state.
See the full RI guide →Community intelligence
Live Sighting Map
See where SLF has been spotted near you in Washington County, RI. Add your own sighting to help map the front.
Open the Map →Free weekly fight briefing
Fight SLF in Washington County, RI.
One email per week. Your zip code. Your threat level. Your action plan. Know exactly what to do this week in Washington County, RI.