VDACS needs your help monitoring invasive species

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) is asking residents to report invasive species using its online reporting tool.

VDACS monitors threats including the Spotted Lanternfly, Asian Longhorned Beetle, Imported Fire Ant, Yellow-Legged
Hornet, and several noxious weeds.

The tool customizes questions based on the pest you’re reporting.

While photos can’t be uploaded with the form, officials recommend taking one in case it’s requested later.

Reports should only be submitted for sightings within Virginia.

When in doubt, VDACS encourages residents to go ahead and file a report.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

Spotted Lanternflies return to region

The Virginia Cooperative Extension’s Northern Shenandoah Valley Agriculture and Natural Resources team reported that Spotted Lanternfly nymphs have begun their seasonal hatching from egg masses across the region.

Spotted Lanternflies are a very serious pest that damages grapes, peaches, hops and a variety of other crops.

They also have been reported around the home on ornamentals and other landscape features.

Spotted Lanternflies first emerged in the area in January of 2018 and are now considered established in the Northern Shenandoah Valley.

If you find a Spotted Lanternfly, kill it on the spot.

Winchester, Frederick, Clarke, Shenandoah, Page and Warren Counties remain under quarantine and businesses within the area must obtain a permit from the VDACS and inspect all articles to make sure they do not contain any life stage of spotted lantern fly that could spread to un-infested areas.

To learn about the Spotted Lanternfly Treatment Program, click here.

To learn more about quarantined counties, click here.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.