The California Department of Food and Agriculture says a portion of San Mateo County has been placed under quarantine for the Mediterranean fruit fly following the detection of two Medflies within the City of Half Moon Bay.
CDFA is working collaboratively with the USDA and the San Mateo County Agricultural Commissioner’s office on this project.
Sterile male Medflies will be released in the area as part of the eradication effort.
The release rate will be 500,000 males per square mile per week in a 12 square mile area around the infestation.
In addition, properties within 200 meters of detection sites are being treated with an organic formulation of Spinosad, which originates from naturally-occurring bacteria.
The CDFA also reports that the quarantine will affect any growers, wholesalers, and retailers of susceptible fruit in the area as well as nurseries that grow and sell Medfly host plants.
The quarantine will also affect local residents as home gardeners are urged to consume homegrown produce on site and not move it from their property.
The Medfly can infest more than 250 types of fruits and vegetables, causing severe impacts on California agricultural exports and backyard gardens alike.
Residents who believe their fruits and vegetables are infested with fruit fly larvae are encouraged to call the state’s toll-free Pest Hotline at 1-800-491-1899.
