Santa Barbara

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The Black Fig Fly, or BFF (Silba adipata), lays eggs in unripe figs and ruins fruit production. It was first detected in California & Santa Barbara County in June 2021. In an effort to limit this pest's expansion, please don't move locally harvested figs.

Invasive mosquitoes are not native to the United States and can carry tropical diseases. They breed in standing water around your garden and home, bite during the day, and can carry chikungunya, dengue fever, West Nile virus, yellow fever, and other diseases (like dog heartworm).

Asian Citrus Psyllids, or ACP (Diaphorina citri), can transmit a citrus disease named citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing, or HLB). This pest/disease complex was found in Florida orange groves in the 1990s. Citrus greening disease has nearly wiped out the Florida citrus industry.

We're working with the Santa Barbara County Agricultural Commissioner to monitor the spread of ISHB. We ask for your help in sending us possible Invasive Shot Hole Borer infestations. Information on how to assess and report possible infestations is at the bottom of this page.

Invasive pests may seem like small bothers, but they can have big impacts on our communities and our economy.

In 2022, look for us at informational tables in the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden! We've partnered with the Garden to educate our community about ways to support native plants--and the pollinators that depend on them--in times of drought.

We help home gardeners find research-based gardening solutions. During the Covid-19 pandemic, we hold very limited in-person activities. Our free, online educational events are posted on our home page. In 2022...

Download our 2021 Santa Barbara County one-pager or our 2019 & 2020 Impact Report to see how we make a difference in California communities."The UC Master Gardeners of Santa Barbara County are an invaluable resource for our community.

Spotted lanternfly Western flower thrips in lettuce Bagrada bug...