California Officials Urge Summer Travelers: Don't Pack Produce That Could Spread Invasive Pests
California agriculture officials are reminding travelers not to transport fruits, vegetables, plants, or other agricultural products that could introduce invasive pests and plant diseases into the state during the busy summer travel season.
California Blog
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California Blog ☀️
SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 26, 2026 (CALIFORNIA NEWS TODAY) — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is urging travelers to avoid transporting agricultural products that could carry invasive pests and plant diseases into California as summer travel and tourism increase.
According to the department, higher travel volumes during the summer months, combined with increased tourism associated with major international soccer events taking place in California, elevate the risk of invasive fruit flies and other harmful pests being transported in fruits, vegetables, plants, and other agricultural products.
The agency says invasive pests can spread rapidly once introduced, threatening California's agricultural industry, backyard gardens, and natural resources.
"Summer travel season means increased movement not just for people, but for harmful pests as well. Invasive fruit flies commonly enter California by hitchhiking in fresh produce brought in by travelers. As travel activity continues to increase, prevention is more important than ever. Most travelers simply don't realize that bringing produce into the state can introduce destructive pests, which is why we're reminding everyone: Don't Pack a Pest, whether you're leaving for a trip or returning home," said Victoria Hornbaker, Director of Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services Division at the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
Agricultural specialists and detector dog teams continue inspecting luggage at airports, seaports, and border crossings to identify prohibited agricultural items before pests enter the state. According to CDFA, California experienced significant invasive fruit fly outbreaks in 2023 and 2024 that resulted in multiple quarantines and response efforts exceeding $200 million. The state reports 169 invasive fruit fly detections in 2025, with two active quarantines currently in place.
The CDFA encourages travelers to declare agricultural products for inspection and avoid transporting produce or other plant materials that could introduce invasive species into California.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture oversees programs that protect California's agriculture, natural resources, and food supply through pest prevention, inspection, environmental stewardship, and agricultural regulation.
For more information, visit www.StopInvasivePests.com or www.DontPackaPest.com.
