If you find an unusual pest and would like to have it identified, please contact our office via email or by calling (209) 754-6504.

With the help of community members like you, we can identify and control new, non-native, and invasive species before they become established.

Non‐native pests can damage local agriculture, natural resources, and urban landscapes. Quick detection and control are vital. That’s why, each May through October, the Agriculture Department conducts its Pest Detection Program (also known as the insect trapping program) in partnership with the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

Our trained staff deploys hundreds of insect-specific traps across the County. Traps are placed on corresponding host plant species throughout the county to ensure complete coverage. The traps are specially designed to target specific non-native invasive insect pests.

These invasive insect species include:

• Mediterranean Fruit Fly
• Melon Fruit Fly
• Oriental Fruit Fly
• Glassy Winged Sharpshooter
• Japanese Beetle
• European Grapevine Moth
• Spongy Moth and Flighted Spongy Moth

When traps are placed on private property, the trapper asks the owner for permission. If the owner is not available, a notice is left at the door. The public's cooperation is necessary and appreciated to ensure a successful detection program. If no target pests are found, the county can be certified pest-free, enabling exportation of produce and plants outside the county.

We thank the property owners of Calaveras County for cooperating with our program.