Pest Detection

Pest Detection Trapping Program

Due to the constant movement of people and products, there is always a risk of new pests being introduced in the county. The establishment of an exotic pest could damage the environment, reduce crop yields, increase pesticide use, and ultimately increase prices of goods you rely on. State and local Agriculture Departments employ a strategy of pest exclusion, coupled with detection trapping, in an effort to prevent new pest introductions. Pest detection traps are placed strategically throughout the county so when a pest of concern is found, eradication efforts can begin before pests multiply and become difficult to control.

Recent Pest Finds and Eradication Efforts

When an exotic pest is found through the efforts of our pest detection program, immediate steps are taken to determine the level of infestation. This involves setting up a delimitation, which is the term used for the process of determining the size and scope of the infestation through the use of high-density trapping. The delimitation protocol for managing an invasive pest find is developed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture and is based on the biology of the pest found. Recent finds and the current status of active delimitations are posted here.