- Author: Cherie Shook
Imagine a California without fresh fruits, juicy oranges, crisp apples, or homegrown avocados; a future no one would want, and one we must work together to avoid. New threats to California's agriculture and backyard gardens have emerged, the Mediterranean fruit fly and the Oriental fruit fly. Invasive fruit flies didn't originate in California, but the mild climate and rich variety of crops, that ripen year-round, create ideal breeding grounds for them. They come from tropical and subtropical regions around the world, such as Africa, Asia, and South America.
These pests hitch a ride into California through illegally imported fruits and vegetables, plants carried by travelers, hidden in uninspected shipments, or even mailed packages. Unlike the harmless common fruit fly you might find hovering around your kitchen fruit bowl, invasive fruit flies pose a serious threat to California. These Invasive fruit flies are some of the most destructive pests in the world, infesting more than 400 types of fruits and vegetables.
Federal and state regulations are in place to prevent invasive fruit flies from entering the state through inspections and treatment protocols. When an invasive fruit fly is detected, a quarantine is necessary to stop its spread, eradicate the infestation, and prevent the establishment of these invasive pests. Staying informed and following quarantine guidelines are the most critical ways we can protect our home gardens, local ecosystems, and the broader agricultural community.
Facts About Quarantine Zones
Quarantine zones are set up based on infestation reports and trapping results, and boundaries may shift as monitoring continues. In the quarantine area, agricultural officials may be seen setting traps, inspecting plants, performing necessary treatments, and removing potentially infested produce.
Are you in a fruit fly quarantine zone? Visit CAFruitFly.comfor the most up-to-date quarantine maps and regulatory information. Residents located within a quarantine zone can help prevent the spread of invasive fruit flies by following these guidelines:
- Do not distribute home grown fruit outside of your garden or home. Consume or process (juice, cook, freeze) fruits and vegetables on site.
- Dispose of any fallen or unwanted fruit or vegetables by double bagging in plastic bags and placing them in the garbage bin, not green waste.
- Buy plants from a reputable nursery, do not smuggle or illegally import plants, fruits, or vegetables.
- Cooperate with agriculture officials and allow them access to inspect plants.
- Report suspicious pests and maggots inside of your fruit to your local county agricultural commissioner's office or to CDFA's pest hotline at 1-800-491-1899 or online at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/reportapest/.
Protecting Our Future
Whether you're returning from a vacation or receiving a package from friends and family abroad, bringing fresh fruits and vegetables into California without inspection risks introducing invasive species. Even a single contaminated piece of fruit can start an outbreak. Regulatory actions are in place to protect the environment, health, and quality of life for every resident. To learn more visit Dontpackapest.com.
The USDA and CDFA are dedicated to protecting California and their combined mission relies on early detection, prevention, and strong partnerships with local communities like yours. Together, we can help safeguard our state's beloved produce by monitoring plants, reporting unusual pests, and following quarantine guidelines. Join us in combatting the invasive fruit fly threat and protecting California's future.
For more information, including the most up-to-date quarantine maps and regulatory information visit CAFruitFly.com.
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