BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Invasive fruit flies are threatening local gardens and farms in Kern County, prompting officials to urge residents to check their plants and take preventive measures.

BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:

Back in 2023, Southern California had an outbreak of invasive fruit flies, causing significant damage to people’s crops and gardens. The CDFA is urging Kern County growers to check their plants.

With the hot weather here, Kern County is more vulnerable to invasive fruit flies and more conducive to their rapid spread. That’s according to Cerise Montanio, the Deputy Director of the Kern County Department of Agriculture and Measurement Standards.

They’re working in collaboration with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, as they manage the pesticide programs her

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