You may be concerned with the pests in or near your house, but there is one single pest that is threatening California and could destroy the state’s citrus trees. The insect I’m referring to the is Asian Citrus Psyllid.

The Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) is an insect that feeds on the leaves of citrus trees, but the real problem with the ACP is the disease that it can carry. The disease is called Huanglongbing (HLB) and it is also referred to as Citrus Greening Disease. The insect has been found in California but HLB has not yet been confirmed in California and unfortunately the disease is impacting citrus industries in over 30 countries and even citrus trees in Florida. HLB is a bacterial plant disease that infects citrus trees which will eventually produce fruit that is bitter and inedible. There is no cure and the tree will eventually die.

It is so important to prevent this insect from bringing HLB into the state that a website has been created called California Citrus Threat; the goal of the entire site is to spread awareness about the Asian Citrus Psyllid, Huanglongbing and what to look for.

So what happens if you find a Asian Citrus Psyllid? Well according to the California Citrus Threat website if you find a ACP, contact your local agricultural commissioner (they have a look up tool using your zip code). If a tree on your property has the pest, it will be treated; if the tree has HLB, the tree will be removed to protect other trees on your property and throughout the state.