An insect no bigger than a grain of rice called the Asian citrus psyllid, carrier of a bacteria that causes a serious plant disease that is not harmful to humans but kills citrus trees, has been detected in Duarte, city officials said Wednesday.
California Department of Food and Agriculture employees are going door-to-door in the community to inspect citrus trees for Huanglongbing or HLB disease, also known as citrus greening disease, for which there is no cure.
City officials said residents will be able to recognize the CDFA employees by looking for a department patch on their uniforms. They also wear tan shirts and CDFA badges.
The CDFA tracks the presence of the pest and disease, and establishes quarantines to help protect California citrus trees. The insect feeds on citrus leaves and stems, and without proper inspection and treatment, may go unnoticed.
To report a siting, contact the CDFA Pest Hotline at 1-800-491-1899.
