Santee Under Quarantine After Mexican Fruit Fly Detection

SANTEE, CA — California officials have established a 77-square-mile quarantine in parts of San Diego County after Mexican fruit flies were detected during a routine inspection in La Mesa.

The quarantine affects Spring Valley, Bonita and the cities of El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, San Diego and Santee. The quarantine zone is bordered by the San Diego River to the north, Sweetwater Reservoir to the south, Interstate 15 to the west, and El Cajon to the east, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

The CDFA, the San Diego County Agricultural Commissioner and the U.S. Department of Agriculture were working to contain the infestation. Measures include releasing sterile male Mexican fruit flies, treating properties within 200 meters of detections with an organic insecticide, and removing fruit within 100 meters of affected sites.

The quarantine applies to growers, wholesalers, retailers and nurseries handling host fruits or plants. Home gardeners were advised to consume produce onsite and avoid moving it off their property.

Residents who suspect infestation were asked to call the state's toll-free Pest Hotline at 1-800-491-1899.

Mexican fruit flies can infest more than 50 types of fruits and vegetables, threatening California's agricultural exports, local food supply, and backyard gardens. Officials said the pests often enter the state in fruits or vegetables brought back illegally by travelers from infested areas.