Gypsy moth is prevalent on the East Coast where they cause millions of dollars in damage to trees and other vegetation. Shipments of plant materials into the County under authority of such a permit may remain in post-entry quarantine for a period of up to two years. During this time, inspectors regularly check the plant material for pests or diseases that may not be discernible at the time of entry. As a collaborative effort with the USDA, staff inspectors verify that the commodity meets such requirements, which may include making an inspection during the growing season. The inspector then issues a Phytosanitary certificate for export as required by the agricultural agencies at destination.
Inspectors also issue certificates for the interstate and intrastate movement of plant materials.
Also as a collaborative effort with the USDA, Department staff inspect vessels arriving directly from foreign ports at the Port of Sacramento. Ships are inspected to identify fruit fly host materials from world regions where such insects as the Mediterranean fruit fly, Caribbean fruit fly and Oriental fruit fly occur. Staff can then quarantine those fruits and vegetables to protect the county from infestation. Pest detection involves preventing the introduction and spread of injurious insect pests not known to occur in Yolo County through a systematic search for such pests. This is accomplished by deploying insect traps, making visual surveys, inspecting selected hosts, and informing and educating the public.