ORIENTAL FRUIT FLY ERADICATED FROM CALIFORNIA

Quarantine lifted in Los Angeles County

The California Department of Food and Agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have eradicated an Oriental fruit fly infestation in Lakewood. At present, there are no remaining Oriental fruit fly infestations in the state.   

“The Oriental fruit fly is a pest that poses a serious threat to California farming and backyard gardens,” said CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura. “I would like to thank the residents of Los Angeles County who helped us eradicate this infestation by cooperating with the quarantine.”

The 75-square mile quarantine was put into place in 2008, establishing regulatory procedures designed to stop the spread of the pest. The eradication program consisted of “male annihilation” treatment, utilizing a minute amount of pesticide mixed with male fruit fly attractant and squirted in small quantities on trees and utility poles. CDFA has been using this technique for more than 30 years and has a 100 percent success rate in California – never failing to eradicate an Oriental fruit fly infestation.  

The Oriental fruit fly is one of many pests that threaten both agriculture and residential gardens in California. As travel and commerce increase worldwide, the variety and frequency of pests breaching our border are also on the rise.  The pest can infest over 230 types of fruits and vegetables.

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