Many Arlington residents are getting their first glimpse of the spotted lanternfly within the county’s borders this month.
The quickly propagating invasive insect has recently been spotted in various parts of Arlington, including in Ballston and along Langston Blvd, after several years of anticipation. That follows a few sightings late last summer.
The pest has also been seen in greater numbers in neighboring Falls Church, Fairfax County and D.C.
“While early detections were sporadic, we now anticipate that spotted lanternflies are here to stay in Arlington,” Dept. of Parks and Recreation spokeswoman Jerusalem Solomon tells ARLnow. “Their population will continue to grow, but over time natural predators may begin to recognize them as a food source, which may help reduce their numbers.”
Officials in Arlington and elsewhere are encouraging residents to squash the bug whenever they see one. While harmless to humans and pets, as a county webpage notes, the spotted lanternfly can damage plants, including trees, and is particularly harmful to agriculture — from vineyards to apple orchards.
“Those who are certain they’ve identified a spotted lanternfly are encouraged to help slow the spread by squashing them on sight, destroying egg masses, and checking for them on cars or moving boxes before traveling,” Solomon said. “Please use insecticides sparingly as they could harm beneficial insects nearby.”
Last year Solomon said that the county was working to cut down the tree of heaven, itself an invasive species and a favored host plant of the spotted lanternfly.
First Spotted Lantern Fly just seen in @ArlingtonVA @ARLnowDOTcom @ArlingtonDES — Lee-Heights shopping center pic.twitter.com/7ZWCzHnPje
— Jim Mathews 🇺🇦 🚛😵👻👍 (@mathewsjh) July 16, 2025
In July, spotted lantern flies morph into adults and start laying up to 100 eggs! They feed on trees leave behind a sticky, smelly mess.
🧹 Squish them if you see them
👷♀️ Urban Foresters are on it
❓Questions? [email protected]
🔗 https://t.co/aHaLPhDfRI pic.twitter.com/aiaSREeMXC— Fairfax County Government 🇺🇸 (@fairfaxcounty) July 15, 2025
