New White Striped Fruit Fly Found In California

By Growing Produce Staff|July 31, 2009

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has detected an infestation of the white striped fruit fly in Los Angeles County. Seven white striped fruit flies have been detected recently in traps in the La Verne area, marking the first time this pest has been detected in the Western Hemisphere. The fly is native to tropical Southeast Asia, where it damages the fruit of many trees, most notably guava and mango. Damage occurs when the female lays eggs inside the fruit. The eggs hatch into maggots that tunnel through the flesh of the fruit, making it unfit for consumption.

Beginning tomorrow, August 1, CDFA eradication crews will place several thousand traps containing a “male attractant” lure and a small amount of pesticide. The traps will be hung in trees throughout approximately 15 square miles in the La Verne area. These traps, also known as “bait stations,” attract and kill the male flies, effectively eliminating breeding. Within 200 meters of the sites where the seven flies were trapped, crews will also apply ground treatments with an organic-approved product to the foliage of trees to ensure that any established breeding populations are eradicated.

Residents of properties that are scheduled for traps or foliage treatments will be notified prior to the application.

A detailed map of the treatment area is available online here.

Residents with questions about the treatment program may call the department’s Pest Hotline at 1-800-491-1899.