Beekeepers Cry Foul over Pesticide Spray

About 20 citrus trees across three Carpinteria properties were treated with pesticide on 3/7 by the state Department of Food and Agriculture after the discovery of two Asian citrus psyllids, which can transmit a bacterial disease. The soil-drenching treatment has concerned the Santa Barbara Beekeepers Association. Its vice president, Todd Bebb claimed that the pesticide — banned in Europe — will move up into the trees’ pollen and nectar and last for several years. Spraying is also planned on trees in Summerland, and the pest is being monitored in Goleta.