Caribbean Fruit Fly Quarantine Targets Montebello Region

A portion of Los Angeles County has been placed under quarantine following the detection of two Caribbean fruit flies in and around the City of Montebello. The 75-square-mile quarantine area extends from Alhambra on the north to Downey on the south, Huntington Park on the west, and South El Monte on the east.

The Caribbean fruit fly poses a serious threat to California agriculture, damaging crops such as avocados, citrus, figs, peaches, pears, and tomatoes. According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, officials are focusing Integrated Pest Management efforts within the area of infestation—removing host fruit, inspecting for larvae, and applying Spinosad, a naturally derived organic-approved treatment, to control adult flies.

These invasive species most often enter California by “hitchhiking” in fruits and vegetables carried by travelers or shipped from infested regions.

Residents in the quarantine zone are urged not to move produce off their property. For maps and details, visit https://pressreleases.cdfa.ca.gov/Home/PressRelease/66514689