Ta Ta for Now, Tau Fruit Fly! Exotic Pest Wiped Out in Los Angeles County
The Tau fruit fly has been eradicated from Los Angeles County. As of this post, four additional fruit fly quarantines remain in place around California. (Photo: Pest and Diseases Image Library, Bugwood.org)
The California Department of Fruit and Agriculture (CDFA), working in coordination with USDA and the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner, has declared an end to the Tau fruit fly quarantine following the eradication of the invasive pest.
The Tau fruit fly was first detected in the area in July 2023 and led to the first-ever quarantine for the pest in the Western Hemisphere. The quarantine encompassed the city of Santa Clarita and surrounding areas in parts of Stevenson Ranch, Newhall, Castaic Junction, Oat Mountain, and Del Valle.
“Following one of the largest statewide invasive fruit fly populations we’ve seen in a number of years in California, we’re incredibly proud that we’ve been able to successfully achieve eradication of the Tau fruit fly,” says Victoria Hornbaker, Director of CDFA’s Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services Division. “The lifting of this quarantine proves that our efforts are working, and the responsiveness and cooperation of residents across California and our partners is critical to that success.”
During the quarantine, crops that are hosts for the fruit fly — which include more than 300 varieties, such as citrus and other fruits, nuts, vegetables and berries — were not allowed to be moved from the properties where they were grown. Commercial crops were required to meet stringent treatment or processing standards before being harvested or moved.
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While several fruit fly quarantines have now been lifted in California, four additional quarantines remain and still threaten the state’s agriculture and economy.
To learn more about invasive species and how to protect the county’s fruits and vegetables, visit CaFruitFly.com.
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