Pest Detection
San Joaquin County’s Pest Detection Program uses countywide trapping and rapid response to identify and eliminate invasive pests early, protecting agriculture, exports, natural resources, and the local economy.
The San Joaquin County Pest Detection Program is our community's second line of defense against harmful invasive and exotic pests. By finding pests early and responding quickly, we can stop them before they cause long-term damage to our agriculture, environment, and local economy.
We work closely with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and with residents across the county. Our staff places monitoring traps in many locations—nurseries, neighborhoods, parks, agricultural areas, and shipping facilities. These traps are safe, environmentally friendly tools that help us detect invasive species early, when they can still be eliminated effectively and at a much lower cost than long-term control.
Trapping Programs
San Joaquin County currently operates coordinated trapping and survey programs for the following pests:
- Mediterranean Fruit Fly (Medfly)
- Melon Fruit Fly
- Oriental Fruit Fly
- Western/Eastern Cherry Fruit Fly
- Apple Maggot
- Mexican Fruit Fly
- Spongy Moth
- Japanese Beetle
- Asian Citrus Psyllid
- Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter
- European Grapevine Moth
- Invasive Shothole Borer
- Spotted Lanternfly
Most trapping takes place between March and October. One program- the Asian Citrus Psyllid - runs year round.
Do You Have a Trap in Your Yard?
If so, thank you for helping protect San Joaquin County. Your cooperation is essential. If you would like more information about the trap in your yard, please contact the San Joaquin County Agricultural Commissioner's Office at (209) 953 6000.
How You Can Help
Public participation is the most important part of our program. By volunteering to allow us to place traps in your fruit trees and gardens, you help protect California's agriculture and our local community.
Plant Inspections (Blue Tag Nursery Program)
Plants shipped into San Joaquin County from areas infested with the Glassy Winged Sharpshooter must be inspected when they arrive. Nurseries shipping these plants are required to notify our office before delivery, and receivers must call us when the shipment arrives so we can inspect it.
If you receive a plant shipment with a Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter notification tag, please contact us at (209) 953-6000.