Since its detection in 2022, established spotted lanternfly (SLF) populations have been confirmed in seven NC counties as of February 2026: Forsyth, Guilford, Rockingham, Caldwell, Caswell, Davidson, and Rowan, with breeding populations found along I-85. However, all confirmed detections have been in forest and urban/suburban settings, not in commercial vineyards.

Last week, a commercial vineyard in Davidson County became the first in North Carolina confirmed to host a reproducing population of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). Multiple adults were observed in a 10-year-old muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia cv. Noble) block. Multiple empty egg masses were also confirmed, providing strong evidence that an SLF generation established in the field prior to 2026. Because SLF completes only one generation per year, the presence of hatched egg masses indicates the population was already active on the property during the 2025 season. A single adult was also detected in a 3-year-old Vitis vinifera block on the same farm, suggesting the pest may already be moving across production systems within the vineyard.

SLF can cause significant damage to grapes, including muscadine varieties; thus, vineyard monitoring efforts across the state started in 2026 as a collaborative effort between the NCDA&CS, NCSU's Small Fruits and Tobacco IPM Program (led by Dr. Lorena Lopez), the Small Fruits Horticulture Program (led by Dr. Mark Hoffmann), and the Forest Health Program (led by Dr. Kelly Oten). This first vineyard confirmation demonstrates that SLF is no longer confined to forests and urban landscapes; it is present and reproducing in commercial production systems.

This detection marks the beginning of the 2026 NC Vineyard SLF Monitoring Program, a direct outcome of the above collaboration. From June through December 2026, the program will monitor 14 commercial vineyards across two of North Carolina's most important viticulture regions: the Yadkin Valley and the Henderson area. Surveys will target both Vinifera and muscadine fields through biweekly visual observations to detect active adults and lampshade shingle traps to monitor egg masses to assess population establishment. Data collected will be reported to NCDA&CS and USDA-APHIS.

Additional insecticide applications are not necessary if SLF has not been confirmed as established in the vineyards. Growers across the state, particularly those in or near infested counties, are urged to include SLF in their scouting efforts. Focus attention on vine trunks, the lower side of cordons and branches, and dense shaded canopy areas in the vines where many adults take shelter during mid to late summer. If possible, build and set up your own lampshade traps in vineyard blocks to assess population establishment: Spotted Lanternfly: DIY lampshade traps for SLF eggs. Also, inspect tree-of-heaven along vineyard borders, which serves as a preferred host and oviposition site: Tree-of-Heaven Identification Guide.

Report any suspected SLF sightings through the NCDA&CS online tool using the link included below. For questions or to learn more, contact Dr. Lorena Lopez or visit the Extension Forestry - Spotted Lanternfly webpage.