Light Brown Apple Moth Returns to SB County

The light brown apple moth, thought to be eradicated from Santa Barbara County, has returned to Carpinteria. The moth is categorized by agricultural officials as a “Class A” pest due to its ability to damage hundreds of crops. Santa Barbara County’s top crops include a $231 million strawberry industry, followed by broccoli, wine grapes, lettuce, and celery. The California Department of Food and Agriculture is working on a statewide eradication program.