LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office is concerned about the introduction of new and exotic pests. 

The agency’s pest detection program is a comprehensive insect trapping program to detect pests before they become established.

Traps are placed, starting May 1, and monitored throughout the county, until the end of October, for the presence of exotic pests such as Mediterranean fruit fly, oriental fruit fly, melon fruit fly, gypsy moth and Japanese beetle.

These exotic insect pests are difficult and costly to manage once they have been established.

In 2017, the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office will also be placing traps in vineyards for the European grapevine moth and a limited number of traps for vine mealybug.

Grape growers are highly encouraged to place traps within their vineyards for vine mealybug and bring them to the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office to be inspected by staff members.

For more information on the trapping program or to inquire about vine mealybug traps please contact the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office at 707-263-0217.