Spotted Lanternfly inSilver Spring, MDSPOTTED LANTERNFLY GUIDE
Silver Spring — a DC suburb directly on the Maryland border — confirmed SLF in 2022 and is now heavily infested. The Red Line Metro connects Silver Spring directly to DC's established infestation zone, and the I-495 Beltway is a major egg mass dispersal vector. Downtown Silver Spring's urban core, Sligo Creek Trail corridor, and Rock Creek Park margins provide prime Tree of Heaven habitat sustaining large SLF colonies through this densely populated Montgomery County community. MD statewide quarantine in effect as of March 2026.
Where it's showing up
Key Neighborhoods
Highest activity zones
SLF Hotspots
Downtown Silver Spring urban core (dense ToH in disturbed lots)
Active zone
Sligo Creek Trail corridor (documented large SLF populations)
Active zone
Rock Creek Park margins (natural SLF spread corridor)
Active zone
I-495 Beltway margins (high vehicle traffic and ToH)
Active zone
Georgia Avenue commercial corridor
Active zone
Primary SLF food source
Tree of Heaven in Silver Spring, MD
Rock Creek Park acts as a natural SLF spread corridor running directly through Silver Spring's adjacent neighborhoods, connecting Maryland populations to DC's established infestation. Sligo Creek Trail has documented large SLF populations concentrated along its Tree of Heaven-lined banks. Downtown Silver Spring's urban disturbed lots and commercial margins have established ToH populations. The I-495 Beltway corridor's highway margins are heavily colonized by Tree of Heaven, serving as a primary egg mass dispersal vector through Montgomery County.
Identify Tree of Heaven →Active Quarantine Alert
Maryland is under a statewide spotted lanternfly quarantine as of March 2026. Moving plants, yard waste, or outdoor furniture out of Maryland may require inspection.
Local action resources
What To Do in Silver Spring, MD
Report a Sighting
Every sighting in Silver Spring, MD maps the invasion front. Report directly to Maryland Department of Agriculture.
Report Now →Squish on Sight
See a spotted lanternfly? Kill it immediately — it is legal and encouraged in all states. Learn the best kill methods.
Full Fight Guide →Map ToH in Your Block
Tree of Heaven removal cuts off SLF food supply. Add ToH sightings to the community map to guide removal efforts.
View Sighting Map →Statewide resources
Full Maryland State Guide
County-level data, quarantine zones, treatment guides, and agency resources for the entire state.
See the full Maryland guide →Community intelligence
Live Sighting Map
See where SLF has been spotted near you in Silver Spring, MD. Add your own sighting to help map the front.
Open the Map →Free weekly fight briefing
Fight SLF in Silver Spring, MD.
One email per week. Your zip code. Your threat level. Your action plan. Know exactly what to do this week in Silver Spring, MD.