California Declared Free Of Invasive Fruit Flies!

After a year of hard work, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), are proud to announce that all populations of invasive fruit flies have been eradicated in California.
“Invasive fruit flies are among the most destructive and costly pests globally, threatening more than 400 species of fruits and vegetables, including many of California’s most valuable crops such as oranges, grapes, mangoes, blueberries, and tomatoes. The eradication of these pests marks a major victory for California’s agricultural economy,” said USDA Under Secretary, Jenny L. Moffitt.
The joint eradication effort addressed infestations of five introduced species: Oriental, Tau, Queensland, Mexican, and Mediterranean fruit flies. Quarantines have now been lifted across Contra Costa, Los Angeles, Orange, Sacramento, Santa Clara, San Diego, Riverside, and Ventura Counties.
Hundreds of employees from the USDA’s Animal and Plant Inspection Services joined forces with the CDFA and agricultural commissioners for trapping, fruit removal, and survey activities. Advanced eradication techniques were used, including the release of sterile Mediterranean and Mexican fruit flies, so they could disrupt the reproduction of these invasive pests. Organic treatments, with Spinosad, were also used (Spinosad is a natural substance made by a soil bacterium that can be toxic to insects).
CDFA Secretary Ross said, “We are proud of what we have accomplished with the help of California residents. Your support was vital to eradicating these pests and remains essential in protecting our food supply and natural resources from future invasive threats. We are deeply grateful for the public’s continued vigilance in keeping California free from invasive species. Together, we have turned one of our greatest challenges into a triumph.”