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Fairfax County, Virginia
Fairfax County Virginia
Fairfax County Virginia

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  1. Home
  2. Public Works and Environmental Services
  3. Invasive Species
  4. Invasive Animals & Insects

Public Works and Environmental Services Alert:

Invasive Animals & Insects

When animals or insects are brought from their original habitats to new areas, they can become invasive. They don’t have natural predators, diseases, or competitors to keep them in check. These invasive species can disrupt native wildlife, cause ecological harm, and lead to economic damage.

How Do I ...

  • RECOGNIZE invasive species?
  • MANAGE invasive species?
  • REPORT sightings?
  • VOLUNTEER or SUPPORT the effort?
  • Know my RESPONSIBILITIES?
  • Get MORE INFORMATION?

Spotted Lanternfly

Adult Spotted LanternflySpotted Lanternfly are widespread in Fairfax County. They cause damage to numerous plants. Learn how to identify, report and control them.

  • Learn More about SLF

Box Tree Moth

Box Tree Moth - USDA ImageThe box tree moth can severely damage or even kill boxwood plants. It has been found in Virginia but not yet in Fairfax County. If you notice damage to your boxwood plants, report it right away. (Photo: USDA)

  • Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Invasive Species Reporting Tool

Be On the Lookout

The following invasive species have not yet been spotted in Fairfax County. If you see any, report them to the appropriate organization:

Alabama Bass, Feral Pigs, Nutria, Zebra Mussel, Red Imported Fire Ants.

  • Reporting Invasive Species

Forest Pests

Some pests pose a serious threat to our trees. If these pests spread, they could severely damage our forests. Here’s what to look for:
(Photo credits provided below.)

Asian Longhorned Beetle

Asian Longhorned Beetle is one of the most destructive tree pests in North America. Fortunately, it has not been found in Fairfax County. (Photo: USDA)
Visit Asian Longhorned Beetle

Emerald Ash Borer in Fairfax County

The Emerald Ash Borer beetle was accidentally introduced from Asia. Without treatment, it infests and kills all ash tree species. It’s already present in Fairfax County. (Photo: David Cappaert, Michigan State University)
Visit Emerald Ash Borer

Fall Cankerworm

Fall Cankerworm is a native insect that can cause widespread tree damage. This damage can stress the tree and possibly lead to tree death. There is a history of infestations in Fairfax County. (Photo: Joseph Berger, Bugwood.org)
Visit Fall Cankerworm

Spongy Moth

Introduced to North America in 1869, this invasive insect continues to threaten trees and shrubs. Many caterpillars in Fairfax County are often mistaken for spongy moths. (Photo: Joseph Berger, USDA Forest Service)
Visit Spongy Moth

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

The hemlock woolly adelgid is a small invasive insect, originally from East Asia, that feeds on the base of hemlock needles. It can kill hemlock trees over time. It was first introduced to the U.S. in the 1950s.
Visit Hemlock Wooly Adelgid

Spotted Lanternfly

Spotted Lanternfly, native to East Asia, is an invasive plant-hopping insect with no natural predators in the United States. It damages plants and trees and is a strong jumper, using its colorful wings to glide between jumps. (Photo: Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture)
Visit Spotted Lanternfly
More About Invasive species

Species

Invasive Species Home
Plants
Animals & Insects
Diseases

How Do I ...

Recognize
Manage
Find Alternative Plants
Report Sightings
Volunteer or Support
Know my Responsibilities
Get More Information

More About

Why It Matters
What You Can Do
Working Together

Photo Credits

  • Black Spotted Lanternfly nymphs: Eric Day, Virginia Tech Insect ID Lab, Virginia Tech Department of Entomology
  • Asian Longhorned Beetle: Kenneth R. Law, bugwood.org
  • Adult Emerald Ash Borer: David Cappaert, Michigan State University
  • Fall Cankerworm egg mass: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Forestry Archive
  • Spongy Moth Adult Female and Male: Joseph Berger USDA Forest Service - Region 8 - Southern Archive, Bugwood.org
  • Adult Spotted Lanternfly: Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org

 

 

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