Invasive Tau Fruit Fly Puts South California Community Under Quarantine, Produce Movement Restricted

A town in South California has been placed under quarantine after reports of sightings of the invasive Tau fruit fly led to restrictions on the movement of produce.

Invasive Tau Fruit Fly Causes Quarantine

The first of its type in the Western Hemisphere, a posh neighborhood in Southern California has been quarantined due to an invading fly species.

As per the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the Tau fruit fly, which is native to Asia, is a severe pest of agricultural and natural resources.

According to officials, the flies can often be found in California on several fresh produce or vegetables and fruits as well as a few native plants.

A quarantine was imposed on locals following the discovery of a minimum of 20 Tau flies in the Stevenson Ranch neighborhood of the Santa Clarita Valley.

The quarantine area constitutes the north near Castaic Junction, the south around Oat Mountain, the west along Del Valle, and the east along Hornby Avenue, spanning around 79 square miles in size.

Arrival in South California

According to officials, tourists who carried uninspected produce entering the state are to blame for introducing the fly to Los Angeles County. Agriculture officials point out that this is a typical method used by invasive species to spread.

Residents who are under quarantine are instructed not to transport any vegetables or fruits off of their property to stop the species' future spread. They may safely eat or process the produce they own, but it must stay on the farm.

According to officials, if homeowners decide not to eat their produce, the fruit must be disposed of it by double-bagging it in plastic and putting the bags in a trash can.

According to officials, tourists who carried uninspected produce entering the state are to blame for introducing the fly to Los Angeles County. Agriculture officials point out that this is a typical method used by invasive species to spread.

Residents who are under quarantine are instructed not to transport any vegetables or fruits off of their property to stop the species' future spread. They may safely eat or process the produce they own, but it must stay on the farm.

According to officials, if homeowners decide not to eat their produce, the fruit must be disposed of it by double-bagging it in plastic and putting the bags in a trash can, The Hill reports.

Also Read: Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Infestation in Oahu Meets Doom in Hungry Hogs 

Behavior of Fruit Flies

According to officials, tourists who carried uninspected produce entering the state are to blame for introducing the fly to Los Angeles County. Agriculture officials point out that this is a typical method used by invasive species to spread.

Residents who are under quarantine are instructed not to transport any vegetables or fruits off of their property to stop the species' future spread. They may safely eat or process the produce they own, but it must stay on the farm.

According to officials, if homeowners decide not to eat their produce, the said produce must be disposed of by double-bagging it in plastic and putting the bags in a trash can.

A-Z Animals recommend keeping the house clean, disposing of rotting fruit properly, and using traps such as apple cider vinegar in bowls or mixed with dish soap, or leftover wine or beer in a bottle.

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