CA Pest Prevention

Representatives from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) recently presented to the Association of Gleaning Organizations in San Diego to discuss how gleaning operations are affected by invasive fruit fly quarantines. Swipe ➡️ to learn how quarantines are established, what compliance requirements mean for growers and gleaners, and best practices for safely handling host fruits and vegetables in affected areas.

Reminder: If you live or operate in a fruit fly quarantine area, please do not move homegrown produce off the property where it was grown. Instead, enjoy, juice, freeze, cook or properly dispose of produce on-site. Report suspected fruit flies or maggots to the CDFA Pest Hotline at 1-800-491-1899. 🚫🪰

Did you buy a grapevine at a Northern California Costco between April 21 & May 19?

New counties have been added to the list of affected areas. The invasive glassy-winged sharpshooter has been found on grapevines sold at these locations. This pest is a serious threat to vineyards, backyard gardens & other plants.

Check the updated list of counties and learn what to do right now: https://bit.ly/GWSS-Costco

California Department of Food and Agriculture

Safeguarding local produce, including the fruits and vegetables growing in your own yard or neighborhood, starts with preventing the spread of invasive fruit flies, especially in established fruit fly quarantine areas.

If you spot anything unusual in your garden, report it to the California Department of Food and Agriculture Pest Hotline at 1-800-491-1899. 🚫🪰

The unofficial start of summer is nearly here. 🎉 Celebrate warmer weather and plenty of sunshine with fresh, delicious guacamole, and remember, protecting California’s avocado supply starts long before it reaches your table.🥑

Invasive fruit flies pose a serious threat to California avocados. These destructive pests can lay eggs inside the fruit, causing it to rot from the inside out and making it inedible. If you have avocado trees, inspect your fruit regularly and report any signs of fruit flies or maggots to the California Department of Food and Agriculture Pest Hotline at 1-800-491-1899.

🥑 Try this simple guacamole recipe for your next gathering:
1️⃣ Mash ripe avocados
2️⃣ Add fresh lime juice
3️⃣ Mix in salt & garlic to taste
4️⃣ Customize with pico de gallo, jalapeños, cilantro and more
5️⃣ Serve with chips, crackers and veggies

Let’s work together to keep California-grown avocados in healthy supply. Visit StopInvasivePests.com to learn more.

Parts of Alameda and Santa Clara counties remain under quarantine for the Mediterranean fruit fly. Also known as the Medfly, this destructive pest threatens more than 250 types of fruits and vegetables.

If you live in the quarantine area, please do not move homegrown produce from your property and avoid receiving produce or plants shipped in from outside California. These simple steps help protect backyard gardens and California's agriculture industry.

Report suspected fruit flies or maggots to the California Department of Food and Agriculture Pest Hotline at 1-800-491-1899. 🚫🪰 Visit CaFruitFly.com to learn more.

Between Mother’s Day celebrations and graduation festivities, flowers are top of mind.

According to .S. Customs and Border Protection, Mother’s Day is the second-busiest occasion for flower imports behind Valentine’s Day. To help prevent invasive pests and harmful plant diseases from entering the U.S., CBP agriculture specialists inspect millions of cut flowers each year and have reviewed or inspected more than 1.1 billion stems to date.

Fresh flowers are a beautiful way to celebrate any occasion, but imported flowers, plants and greenery can carry hidden pests and diseases. What can you do? Always shop local for flowers and plants.

Before importing flowers, plant materials, produce and other agricultural items, consult the Info Center section on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website: https://bit.ly/48PzJh6

Planning a trip to California this summer? 🌴 Before you hit the road or board your flight, take a moment to help protect the state’s agriculture industry and backyard gardens.

Invasive fruit flies and other destructive pests can easily hitch a ride in fruits and vegetables, plants, soil, firewood or even on outdoor gear - causing serious damage to local produce and agriculture statewide.

Travel responsibly and help stop the spread of invasive fruit flies:
🚫 Don’t bring homegrown fruits or vegetables into California
🌱 Leave plants, soil and cuttings at home
🪵 Avoid transporting firewood or natural materials
🚗 Clean camping gear, bikes and vehicles before traveling
📋 Follow guidelines and declare agricultural items when required

Learn more at StopInvasivePests.com.