Chinese lanternflies are in DC — what to know

Published July 30, 2025 10:55am ET



Invasive spotted lanternflies have hit the Washington, D.C., region and spread to 12 states across the United States. While the species doesn’t pose a threat to humans, it can do serious damage to plants and trees.

Chinese lanternflies made their way to the U.S. in 2014, beginning in Pennsylvania, even though they’re native to China, India, and Vietnam

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