A Mexican fruit fly quarantine in San Diego County has expanded to about 111 square miles after new detections of the invasive pest in El Cajon and Spring Valley, according to East County Magazine. The updated zone now affects residents and businesses across El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, Santee and parts of San Diego.
The expanded boundaries are defined by state Route 67 to the north, Proctor Valley Road to the south, state Route 125 to the west and Riggs Road to the east, according to the report. State, federal and local agricultural agencies are coordinating eradication work, including sterile fly releases, targeted organic treatments and fruit removal near confirmed detections.
For Santee residents, the most practical rule is simple: do not move homegrown fruit off your property if you are inside the quarantine area. Officials say commercial growers, wholesalers, retailers and nurseries also face restrictions on moving host fruits and plants.
The Mexican fruit fly can infest more than 50 types of fruits and vegetables, creating risk for backyard gardens as well as California agriculture. Residents who suspect an infestation are advised to call the state Pest Hotline at (800) 491-1899, and an interactive map is available through the California Department of Food and Agriculture.