A 109-square mile swath of Santa Clara County has been placed under quarantine for the invasive Mediterranean fruit fly, one of the world’s most hated agricultural pests.
The Medfly targets produce such as apples, avocados, and tomatoes, laying eggs inside them. The eggs later hatch into maggots, which feed off the fruit and make it inedible.
Two fruit flies were found in San Jose and officials are taking measures to stop their spread that could devastate fruits and vegetables in the region and beyond.
Officials are asking residents who think their produce has been infected to contact California’s pest hotline at 800-491-1899 or by email at [email protected].
Here’s how you can tell if your fruit has been infected:
If you have a piece of fruit that you think has decayed early or has bruises, small holes or rotting patches look for these signs inside:
— White, small, elongated Medfly eggs
— Legless, white, larvae or maggots feeding inside the fruit