Cathy Roache
County Agricultural Commissioner / Sealer
Agriculture / Weights & Measures

Pest Exclusion

Light Brown Apple Moth

In July and November of 2006 a moth was found in a homeowner's blacklight insect trap in Berkeley. Early in February of 2007 it was identified as Epiphyas postvittana, more commonly known as the Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM). The moth larvae do severe damage by feeding on leaves and fruits of a large number of host plants-including, but not limited to, apple, pear, citrus, peach, avocado, oak, willow, walnut, pine, eucalyptus, roses, jasmine, strawberry, table and wine grapes, berries and other ornamental shrubs, bushes and trees.

Hitchhiking is the most likely way this pest has been dispersed -people moving infested plants, fruits, and vegetables from an infested site to a non-infested one. Quarantines have been established around known finds of this pest. In Alameda County, the quarantine areas include Albany, Berkeley, most of Oakland, and areas in Dublin, Fremont, Union City, and Pleasanton. Additional inspection and/or certification for plant products leaving these quarantine areas is now required. Alameda County residents are asked to help stop the spread of LBAM by not taking fruits and vegetables, or plant material out of the quarantine area.

For more information, please read the press release (PDF - 173KB)* and go to http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/lbam/.

Photo of Light Brown Apple Moth larvae at final stage.
Larvae final stage.
Photo of Light Brown Apple Moth egg mass.
Egg mass.
Photo of Light Brown Apple Moth pupa.
Pupa.
Photo of Light Brown Apple Moths showing the difference between a male and a female.
Male moth on left.