Willow Glen Resident

News

Apple moth eradication effort has
begun locally in SJ neighborhoods

By Cody Kraatz

The California Department of Food and Agriculture begin placing pheromone-infused twist ties in Sunnyvale, Cupertino and San Jose on May 5 in an effort to eradicate the light brown apple moth.

The CDFA will focus on six spots in those areas where the moth has been found.

The pheromone, which is odorless and colorless, disrupts mating by preventing male moths from locating females. It does not harm other organisms, according to the CDFA. Monitoring traps will also be placed.

There is no aerial spraying of pheromones proposed in the operation, a practice used to eradicate the pest that has put the CDFA on the defensive lately. Sunnyvale residents have protested the spraying at several Sunnyvale City Council meetings.

The tiny moth is originally from Australia and has become established in New Zealand and a few other locations.

It made its first appearance in the Americas in California and has been identified in 14 counties. Ten counties, including Santa Clara, are under quarantine.

The pest is known to eat 250 different plants, including some of California's most important crops, and the CDFA fears that it could severely damage the state's economy.

The twist ties will be placed within a 200-meter radius covering 27 square miles around the following sites:

* South of E. Fremont Avenue in Sunnyvale around the intersection of Ashbourne Drive and Flicker Way.

* North of El Camino Real in Sunnyvale around S. Frances Street and S. Murphy and S. Sunnyvale avenues.

* Along Stevens Creek Boulevard in Cupertino near Mary Avenue, including parts of Memorial Park and De Anza College.

* South of Interstate 280 in Cupertino along N. Sterling Road around the intersection of Flora Vista Avenue and Greenleaf Drive.

* North of 280 around the intersection of Casa View Drive and Capistrano Avenue.

* East of Lawrence Expressway around the intersection of Brenton Avenue and Englewood Drive.