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The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has expanded a Mexican fruit fly quarantine in San Diego County after the pest was detected during routine inspections in El Cajon and Spring Valley. The quarantine now covers approximately 111 square miles and overlaps with the existing La Mesa quarantine area.  

The boundaries are: 
• CA-67 to the north
• Proctor Valley Rd to the south
• CA-125 to the west
• Riggs Rd to the east 

A quarantine map is available at: www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/mexfly/regulation.html. 

Cities Affected 
• El Cajon
• La Mesa
• Lemon Grove
• San Diego
• Santee 

State and federal agencies, including CDFA, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the San Diego County Agricultural Commissioner are working together to contain the infestation and support growers, wholesalers, retailers, and home gardeners. 

Eradication Efforts

• Releases of sterile male Mexican fruit flies may occur in the quarantine area
• Properties within 200 meters of detections will be treated with an organic formulation of Spinosad, a naturally derived treatment used to manage harmful pests 
• Fruit removal will take place within 100 meters of locations where larvae or adult flies are found

CDFA says this science-based approach is the safest and most effective method to reduce invasive fruit fly populations. 

What the Quarantine Means for Residents

The quarantine restricts movement of host fruits and plants for growers, wholesalers, retailers, and nurseries. Home gardeners are urged to consume homegrown produce onsite and avoid transporting fruit off their property to prevent spreading the pest. 

Residents who believe their fruits or vegetables may be infested should call the state’s tollfree Pest Hotline at 18004911899. 

The Mexican fruit fly can infest more than 50 types of fruits and vegetables, posing risks to California’s agricultural sector, local food supply, and backyard gardens. More information is available at www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/go/MexFly. 

Although invasive fruit flies occasionally appear in agricultural areas, most detections occur in suburban and urban communities. These pests often enter the state by hitchhiking on fruits or vegetables brought back illegally by travelers. 

To help protect California’s agriculture and natural resources, CDFA urges travelers to follow the Don’t Pack a Pest guidelines.