Problem:  As a large state with an important agriculture industry, 
California is concerned about the problem of the introduction of 
harmful new insects.  The use of pesticides may not be effective, 
only works if the species has already invaded, and most 
importantly leads to environmental contamination and unforseen 
side effects.  A particularly virulent pest not currently well-
established in California is the gypsy moth, which has severely 
deforested parts of the Northeast and has infested areas in the 
Northwest near the California border.

Proposed solution:  The main thrust of the California Department 
of Food and Agriculture is to prevent the problem before it 
starts.  The first line of defense is a large-scale border 
inspection program to prevent entry of contaminated or possibly 
threatening plants and animals.  This includes inspections of 
motor vehicles, as well as of ships, cargo, and other possible 
means of entry into the state.  Penalties for violation of the 
pest exclusion laws are severe, and do not that an action be 
deliberate to find it in violation.  Next, coordinated effort is 
made to detect any invasions that may have begun.  Insect traps 
placed throughout the state and checked regularly alert the 
department to the existence of problem insects.  Once a problem 
has been identified, an intensification of the trapping program 
helps to determine the size and severity of the infestation.  As 
soon as possible, a pesticide is used on the affected area to 
eliminate the problem before it spreads.

Evaluation:  The program has been a success in some instances.  An 
invasion of Mexican fruit flies was successfully prevented in 
1983, and other fruit flies have been eradicated before developing 
inot a problem since.  In contrast, a delay in the start of the 
eradication efforts greatly increased the cost and delay in 
attacking the problem of the Mediterranean fruit fly in 1980.  In 
the effort against the gypsy moth, the state had identified two 
small areas of infestation and plans to spray these during the 
next hatching season.

Contact:  California Department of Food and Agriculture.

Citation:  "Battling Invasions of Insect Pests."  EPA Journal, v. 
11 (April 1985), pp. 3-4.

Keywords:  environment pest control insects gypsy moths

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