Invasive Fruit Fly Quarantine Lifted in Sacramento County
Jun 11, 2024 11:59AM ● By Sacramento County News ReleaseSACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Thanks to the cooperation and diligence of county residents and the local agriculture department, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), working in coordination with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Sacramento County Agricultural Commissioner, declared the end of the Oriental fruit fly quarantine in Sacramento County following the eradication of the invasive pest.
The declaration comes nearly eight months after we first detected populations of the Oriental fruit fly in the area and established a quarantine encompassing parts of Rancho Cordova, and the communities of La Riviera, Carmichael, Fair Oaks and Gold River.
During the quarantine, crops that are hosts for the invasive pest — which include more than 300 varieties, such as citrus and other fruits, nuts, vegetables and berries — were not allowed to be moved from the properties where they were grown. Commercial crops were required to meet stringent treatment or processing standards before being harvested or moved.
As the temperatures rise and vacationers ramp up their travel plans, residents are urged to refrain from bringing back potentially infested produce from their trips. While at home, we encourage residents to stay vigilant for signs of invasive pests.
To help prevent any future introductions of invasive species, residents should follow these guidelines:
Cooperate with the agriculture department and allow them access to your garden to place traps, inspect plants, conduct necessary treatments or remove potentially infested produce.
Determine if your property is located within an active quarantine area by visiting CAFruitFly.com.
Buy fruit trees and vegetable plants from licensed California nurseries. Purchasing agricultural goods from uncertified sources can spread invasive pests. Source your plants locally and responsibly. To find a licensed nursery near you, visit California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Directory of Licensed Nurseries.
Inspect your garden for signs of invasive fruit flies or maggots and report any findings to the agriculture department.
When entering the United States from another country, avoid bringing agricultural products, including fruits or vegetables. Help us protect our agricultural and natural resources and California’s unique biodiversity from invasive fruit flies: Don’t pack a pest when traveling or mailing/receiving packages.
To learn more about invasive species and how to protect the county’s fruits and vegetables, visit California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services Division at www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant.