Santee is now under an agricultural quarantine after the California Department of Food and Agriculture detected Mexican fruit flies during a routine inspection in La Mesa, officials announced Tuesday.

The quarantine zone covers approximately 77 square miles, bordered by the San Diego River to the north, Sweetwater Reservoir to the south, Interstate 15 to the west, and the city of El Cajon to the east. In addition to Santee, the quarantine affects Spring Valley, Bonita, El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, and portions of San Diego.

The CDFA, the San Diego County Agricultural Commissioner, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are working together to contain the infestation. Eradication efforts include releasing sterile male Mexican fruit flies in the affected area, treating properties within 200 meters of detections with an organic formulation of Spinosad (derived from naturally occurring bacteria), and removing fruit within 100 meters of sites where larvae or flies are found.

For Santee residents with backyard gardens and fruit trees, the rules are straightforward: consume homegrown produce on-site and avoid moving it off your property. The quarantine applies formally to growers, wholesalers, retailers, and nurseries handling host fruits or plants — but the spirit of the order extends to all residents to help stop the spread.

Mexican fruit flies can infest more than 50 types of fruits and vegetables, posing a significant threat to California's agricultural exports, local food supply, and home gardens. The pests typically enter the state on fruits or vegetables brought back illegally by travelers from infested areas. Residents who suspect their produce may be infested are asked to call the state's toll-free Pest Hotline at 1-800-491-1899. More information is available at cdfa.ca.gov/plant/go/MexFly.

Source: Times of San Diego / County of San Diego Communications Office