The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) will be expanding the Virginia Imported Fire Ant Quarantine (2 VAC 5-315) in late May 2025. The counties of Chesterfield, Lee, Nottoway, Pittsylvania, Prince George, and Surry and the independent cities of Colonial Heights, Danville, Hopewell, and Petersburg will be added to the regulated areas under the Virginia Imported Fire Ant Quarantine.

Survey data gathered by VDACS indicates that imported fire ant populations increased and have become established, despite mound treatments by VDACS staff and its contractor. The inclusion of the listed counties will be necessary to prevent the artificial spread of this insect pest.

Read the full update from David Gianino, VDACS Office of Plant Industry Services Program Manager in Virginia Turfgrass Journal – https://theturfzone.com/vtc/?ascat=8&sub=issue&issue_id=9421&rti=true&rel=6