RICHMOND—The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has determined that the Virginia Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine is no longer effective, and the quarantine was repealed March 27.

VDACS staff found that the quarantine was not slowing the spread of the invasive pest. There currently are 67 localities experiencing persistent populations of the spotted lanternfly, a planthopper that feeds on grapes, hops, stone fruits and hardwood trees.

The initial Virginia quarantine was established in 2019 for Frederick County and the city of Winchester to slow the spread of the pests to un-infested areas. The quarantine eventually was expanded to 22 additional localities to keep up with the spread throughout the state.

The quarantine repeal removes all regulatory requirements restricting intrastate movement in Virginia of the spotted lanternfly or articles capable of moving the spotted lanternfly. Interstate movement of spotted lanternfly or articles capable of moving the spotted lanternfly may still be regulated by the importing state.

VDACS will continue to monitor spotted lanternfly spread to un-infested areas, and the agency encourages the public to continue to submit reports through VDACS’ Office of Plant Industry Services Invasive Species Reporting Tool.

Virginia-based businesses shipping products capable of transporting the spotted lanternfly to states or other countries with import restrictions will need to first obtain or maintain a spotted lanternfly permit, establish a compliance agreement, or request a phytosanitary certificate. Read for more information, or contact the Office of Plant Industry Services at 804-786-3515.