(REGISTRATION FORM BELOW)
WHAT:
It's what everyone is talking about. How to get rid of the Spotted Lanternflies. Most experts will tell you that the answer is --- get rid of your Tree of Heaven.
Spotted Lanternflies (SLF) are invasive, sap-sucking insects that swarm plants, leaving behind a sticky residue called honeydew—which attracts wasps and ants, promotes the growth of sooty mold, and produces a strong, rotten odor as it ferments. These pests don’t just damage plants—they disrupt our environment and quality of life.
Originally from Asia, SLF were first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014. They reached Loudoun County in August 2022 and appeared in Ashburn Village for the first time last year with limited impact. Unfortunately, this year is already much worse. SLF nymphs began emerging throughout our community in mid-May, and the adults can now be found in most parts of the community.
While SLF can feed on many plants, they strongly prefer the invasive Tree of Heaven (ToH), their native host. SLF survive longer and lay more eggs when feeding on ToH—and unfortunately, birds avoid both the tree and the insects due to the bitter sap. But here’s the good news: remove the Tree of Heaven, and birds become our allies!
Now is the best time—June through August—to remove mature ToH trees using the “Hack and Squirt” method taught by Blue Ridge PRISM. This technique, which Loudoun volunteers learned last year, is most effective during this window because the tree is actively sending sugars down to its roots, ensuring the herbicide (which is aquatic-safe) is absorbed fully and kills the tree with little to no impact on surrounding vegetation.
Join us for the final planned LIRA Tree of Heaven removal event this year! If you’d like to take these new skills back to your own property and help reduce next year’s SLF population, now is the time. September isn’t too late to act—so don’t miss this opportunity to make a real impact in your community.
WHEN:
Sunday, August 31: 9AM - 11AM, Ashburn Village HOA
During the event, participants will learn how to identify and remove Tree of Heaven (as well as any other invasives, like Bush Honeysuckle, that we have time to address).
**This event is not suitable for children under the age of 18 because we will be using herbicides.
WHERE:
The event is in Ashburn Village. We'll be meeting near 21104 Carthagena. Please either park on Cartagena or Cheltenham streets.
WHAT TO BRING:
Hand pruners, loppers, and hatchets if you have them. Not required.
If you plan to participate, you must wear a hat, safety glasses, long sleeves, long pants, closed-toe shoes, and gloves (gloves and glasses provided, if you forget or don't have them). If you are just going to observe, this equipment is not required.
Dress for the weather.
NOTE: Participants will be working with herbicides. Personal protective equipment (safety glasses and nitrile gloves) will be provided.
If you have any issues/questions registering below, please contact Tracy Whittington at nabertj@gmail.com (email).