The Battle to Stop the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP)

The California Department of Food and Agriculture, in cooperation with Santa Barbara County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office is planning on applying a highly toxic pesticide (Merit 2F) in your backyard in an attempt to slow down or stop the Asian Citrus Psyllid from destroying our citrus trees. There are alternative treatments available, but they have determined that this systemic pesticide that can continue to be toxic for years, is what needs to be used. Please let them know that you would like to OPT OUT of their planned treatments by calling:

CDFA Pest Hotline: (800) 491-1899

There are several Environmentally Friendly Alternatives available. The USDA has published this document offering just a few of these alternatives, and SBBA is committed to assisting with many more.

Merit 2F: “This product is highly toxic to bees exposed to direct treatment or residues on blooming crops or weeds. Do not apply this product or allow it to drift to blooming crops or weeds if bees are visiting the treatment area.” Applied by soil drenching.