A major infestation of red imported fire ants was discovered in Southern California
in October 1998. Since that initial detection,
the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has worked to inform
the public and to survey the extent of the infestation. Plant quarantines were
established to stop the spread of the pest while allowing nurseries in the affected
areas to ship plants that are certified free of this serious pest. The Department's
primary focus has been development of a realistic plan for eradication and control.
Red imported fire ants have had significant impacts on public health, native wildlife,
and the overall quality of life in states that are already infested.
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