Five Mexican fruit flies have been found within three miles of each other in La Mesa, prompting the California Department of Food and Agriculture to declare a 77-square mile quarantine zone.
“Spreading this fly could be very detrimental. It’s one of the most invasive species of fruit flies,” San Diego County Deputy Agricultural Commissioner Jasmine Lopez said.
The quarantine areas include five cities in San Diego, along with Bonita, La Mesa and neighboring Spring Valley.
The fruit flies could destroy more than 50 different types of fruits and vegetables, from citrus — like lemons and oranges — to avocados.
“Mexican fruit flies lay their larvae within the fruit, and so the larvae eats the fruit from the inside, making it inedible. If we have inedible fruit, then that increases the cost of fruit and supply reduces the supply,” Lopez said.
To mitigate the spread of the flies, which have geometric-patterned wings that look like stained glass windows, people growing fruit trees and plants are urged to eat what they’ve grown on their own property.
State health officials will also contact and do checks as needed at retailers and nurseries in the quarantine area.
Pure Fruit Bar and Deli owner Omar Rosales is worried about what the quarantine may do to area businesses. That’s why he’s doing what he can to mitigate any risk at his Lemon Grove business.
“Lucky for me, I don’t worry too much,” Rosales said. “I go through procedures for washing fruit right. Using old school tricks of the trade — the vinegar, the water.”
According to the county, the Valley Center Mexican fruit fly quarantine of 2022 put $306 million worth of crops at risk.
To eradicate the problem, county officials say 8,000 fruit fly traps are being set, sterile males are being released, and organic spray is being used near the site where the flies were found. They’re expecting the quarantine to be over around September.
Residents who suspect their fruits or vegetables may be infested should call the state’s toll-free Pest Hotline at 1-800-491-1899.