The black fig fly (BFF), an invasive insect typically found in the Mediterranean and Middle East regions, was recently discovered infesting figs in multiple counties in southern California. The BFF has been detected in the following counties: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Santa Barbara, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura.
The BFF only attacks figs and prefers unripe and unfertilized fruits. The movement of figs from these counties is not recommended, as it may lead to additional artificial spread of BFF to other areas of the state.
For more information on the BFF or how to monitor/manage the pest, visit the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources’s BFF website.