Caribbean Fruit Fly Detected in Los Angeles County, Quarantine Announced

Caribbean Fruit Fly (file Photo – psu.edu)

A surprising and unwelcome guest has appeared in Montebello: the Caribbean fruit fly. While the holiday season brings joy and celebrations, this pest is the last thing homeowners want showing up uninvited.

By News Desk

In response, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has placed approximately 75 square miles of Los Angeles County under quarantine. The affected area is generally bordered by Alhambra to the north, Downey to the south, Huntington Park to the west, and South El Monte to the east. Residents are encouraged to check the CDFA website to see if their homes fall within the quarantine zone.

The Caribbean fruit fly poses a serious risk due to its wide host range, which includes avocados, citrus, peaches, pears, figs, and tomatoes. Damage occurs when female flies lay eggs inside fruits or vegetables. The larvae then hatch and feed on the produce, rendering it unfit for consumption.

CDFA is urging residents within the quarantine area to take simple steps to protect their properties and California’s agricultural economy:

1. Do not move homegrown produce off your property.
2. Avoid bringing plants, produce, or other natural materials into California from other states or countries.
3. Declare all plants or produce for inspection when returning to the U.S. from abroad.

In coordination with the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner, CDFA is implementing an Integrated Pest Management approach to eliminate the fruit fly. Measures include removing host fruits and vegetables near detection sites, inspecting nearby produce for larvae, and treating surrounding areas with Spinosad, a naturally derived, organic-approved material used to reduce adult fruit fly populations.

Officials note that invasive pests most often enter California by “hitchhiking” in fruits and vegetables brought back by travelers or shipped from infested regions. Residents are reminded not to transport or mail fresh produce, plants, or soil into California without proper agricultural inspection, and to declare such items when returning from international travel.

Additional information about the Caribbean fruit fly and a map of the quarantine area are available on the CDFA website.