The holiday season is a time for sending gifts to loved ones, but it also poses a risk of spreading harmful pests. San Diego County officials are urging residents to be cautious about what they pack and ship during this busy period.
"Don’t pack a pest!" warns the County's Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures. The department highlights that packages can unintentionally carry pests or plant diseases that threaten the region's $1.66 billion agricultural industry and local environment.
Examples include homemade wreaths potentially carrying spongy moth eggs or backyard citrus harboring "citrus greening," known as huanglongbing. Fruit baskets might conceal mealybugs. These invasive species can cause significant damage if introduced into new areas.
San Diego County inspectors, both human and canine, work diligently to prevent such infestations from exotic fruit flies to emerald ash borers. Residents can assist by adhering to simple guidelines: avoid bringing home plant clippings or bulbs from other states or countries, refrain from transporting untreated foodstuffs like seeds or nuts, and declare any questionable items when asked by agricultural inspectors.
For more information on how to protect the local environment and agriculture from harmful insects and diseases, residents are encouraged to visit the department’s Insect and Plant Disease Information webpage.
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