The goal of Pest Detection and Management activities is to detect infestations of new pests before eradication becomes biologically or economically unfeasible. The Agricultural Commissioner enforces all laws, rules and regulations relative to the prevention of the introduction or spread of plant pests and diseases that are potentially devastating to agricultural crops and livestock. Authority for such activities is derived from laws and regulations embodied in the California Food and Agricultural Code and California Code of Regulations, Federal register, and local ordinances specifying commodities, areas, and restrictions thereof.

Our biologists systematically survey commercial crops, high hazard and entryway areas for pest introductions. Insect traps are placed throughout the county to monitor for certain pests of high concern, and when a new pest is found, the area of infestation is delimited and the pest is eradicated.

Biological Pest Control

Biological pest control helps reduce reliance on commercial, synthetic pesticides. Such methods use plants, microorganisms and animals in the management, control and eradication of pest and diseases of agricultural crop plants and livestock.

The Agricultural Commissioner collaborates with CDFA and the University of California in the introduction and release of biological control agents throughout the county. Examples of local biological pest control methods for insects and diseases include: wasps to control ash whitefly, leaf-mining flies & eucalyptus psyllids; predatory mites to control spider mites in strawberries & grapes; lady beetles to control aphids, weevils to control puncture vine, and bacteria to control chewing insects.

For more information or to request biological control agents, contact Hannah Wallis, Agricultural Programs Biologist at 831-759-7332 or email. Note that these bio-control agents are typically available in June/July.