Los Angeles County Under Quarantine: Invasive Fruit Flies Sparks 79 Square Mile Lockdown

Last week, over 20 Tau fruit flies were discovered near Santa Clarita, leading to the first quarantine for an invasive fruit fly in an area of Los Angeles County.

According to California officials, The Tau fruit fly, originating in Asia, is a “serious pest for agriculture and natural resources.” Measuring 7mm long, the yellow and black fly with transparent striped wings lays eggs in fruits and vegetables like avocado, tomato, cucumber, citrus, and melon.  The larvae feed on and tunnel through the fruit.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture believes the fly was introduced by travelers bringing uninspected produce into the state.

Unlike the COVID-19 quarantines experienced by residents, this one specifically targets produce.  Those within the quarantine zone have been instructed not to transport any fruits or vegetables from their properties.

“They may be consumed or processed (i.e., juiced, frozen, cooked, or ground in the garbage disposal) at the property where they were picked.  Otherwise, they should be disposed of by double-bagging in plastic and placing the bags in a bin specifically for garbage,” the California Department of Food and Agriculture said.

The state agency will collaborate with the USDA and local authorities to eradicate the Tau fruit fly and stop its spread.  Within 200 meters of detections, workers will examine host fruits and vegetables by cutting them up to check for fruit fly larvae.