WHAT TO LOOK FOR

A tiny insect about the size of a grain of rice may go unnoticed on your citrus trees.

Young nymphs produce a white, waxy substance to direct honeydew away from their bodies.

Asian citrus psyllids can cause a sooty mold to form on citrus leaves.

HLB can create a yellow discoloration on leaves.

The state considers property owners with 25 or more citrus trees commercial growers and they have a separate set of rules for cleaning and transporting.

Those who buy fruit from local citrus stands also need to take precautions.

Symptoms can be reported to a state hotline at 800-491-1899, or by completing the “report a pest sighting” form online at cdfa.ca.gov.

The quarantine rules

Commercial citrus growers and nurseries are most affected by the quarantine and must comply with a permitting process for transportation within and outside the quarantine zones.

Residents with less than 24 trees in the quarantine area can move citrus off their property, but only if the fruit is free of stems and leaves and is properly washed. It is still strongly advised not to move citrus due to the risk of spreading the pest.

Residents also can sell citrus at their home-based stands, but they must clean the fruit, remove all stems and leaves and fill out an agreement with the state.

In the backyard

It is estimated that 60% of Californians have at least one citrus tree in their yard. Currently, the only way to slow the spread of the disease is to reduce the psyllid that spreads it and to remove trees that are infected. If you are in an infestation area, it is recommended that you consider applying an insecticide on your trees. If applying systemic insecticide to soil, make the application during summer or early fall, when roots are active and plants are not blooming or about to bloom.