Backyard Fruit Could Be Confiscated In Dublin

DUBLIN, CA — A discovery of pests that could have homeowners saying "buzz off" to the insects and inspectors alike, was announced in Dublin this week. The California Department of Food and Agriculture has discovered an infestation of peach fruit flies. Considered a threat to California's environment, agriculture, and economy, steps to combat the pest could get dire.

The treatment plan depends upon how many fruit flies are found. Here's the prescription:

1. Small bait stations applied to utility poles, street trees, and other surfaces, six to eight feet above the ground (to trap adult male fruit flies). The area is defined as 1.5 miles from each detection site, squared off to create a nine-square-mile block. Applications will be repeated every two weeks (lasting anywhere from two to six months).
2. If evidence that a breeding population exists on a property, other bait treatments may be used within 200 meters of each detection site (to attract female and young male flies).
3. If evidence that a breeding population exists on a property, all host fruit from each detection site and all properties within a minimum of 100 meters of each detection site may be removed and disposed of in a landfill in accordance with regulatory protocols. This may be repeated if additional flies are detected.

If your property is targeted for bait traps or host fruit removal, you will be notified in writing at least 48 hours in advance.

The general vicinity impacted by the infestation is east of San Ramon Road to Highway 680, and west of Village Parkway to 680. If you are in the green figure 8 on the map below, consider yourself in the bulls-eye.

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-Photo of peach tree by Bea Karnes, Patch; Map provided by City of Dublin