Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an invasive planthopper that feeds on a wide range of plants, including grapes, hops, stone fruits, and fruit and hardwood trees. Its preferred host is tree of heaven. When the spotted lanternfly feeds it damages trees, and excretes a sticky sugary fluid that causes sooty mold to further damage plants.

First discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014, now 18 States have some degree of infestation. Interceptions of dead SLF specimens have taken place in Oregon and California during regulatory inspections. WSDA has responded to a number of reports in Washington that have all turned out to be negative. Should it become established in Washington, spotted lanternfly could threaten many Washington iconic crops and result in costly quarantines and increased pesticide use to manage the pest.

Help protect Washington and your back yard by learning how to identify and report spotted lanternfly.

Want to stay informed about WSDA's spotted lanternfly project? Sign up for email updates or join our Facebook group using the buttons below.

If you think you have seen spotted lanternfly, please photograph it, and note the location to report it, before killing it.

• Email pest@agr.wa.gov
• Report online using the Washington Invasive Species Council reporting app
• Call the WSDA Pest Program at 1-800-443-6684

If you are moving to Washington state from a spotted lanternfly infested area, please conduct an inspection of your outdoor household articles for spotted lanternfly before you move. Check the spotted lanternfly distribution map to see if you are moving out of or through a place with spotted lanternfly.

Instructions for conducting the inspection and filling out a self-inspection form can be found by downloading the spotted lanternfly checklist for residents.