The County of San Luis Obispo’s Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures’ Pest Detection Program is focused on finding destructive insect pests and the plant diseases they may carry. The Program is part of a three-pronged approach to keep destructive insects out: pest exclusion, pest detection and pest eradication. County Pest Detection Trappers, working year-round, act as detectives, examining strategically placed insect traps located in plants favored by specific invasive insects. With homeowners’ cooperation, traps are placed throughout local urban communities which are likely points of introduction. Traps contain lures that attract targeted insect species, intercepting any that may be in the surrounding neighborhood.
An example of one targeted pest is the Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly). The Medfly attacks over 250 types of crops, including many common home garden fruits and vegetables, turning them into maggot-infested, inedible mush. It is extremely important to find these types of pests before they become established and do serious damage.
The most important component of the successful Pest Detection Trap Program is the partnership and cooperation of homeowners in granting permission to host insect traps on private property. You can help protect your neighborhood and our county from new destructive exotic insect pests by volunteering your fruit trees and garden for placement of out insect traps.
Submit an "Approval To Trap In My Yard" form online.
Be sure to indicate the types of trees you have, street address, phone number, if you have a dog in the yard and any other information necessary to enter your yard to place the trap.
Who can use this service?
Anyone can use this service.
Is there a charge for this service?
This service is provided free of charge.
When and where is this service offered?
This service is available throughout the year during regular business hours except during scheduled holidays.
Location, directions and hours of operation
Click on location name to show hours of operation, directions and phone information
810 West Branch Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Tel: (805) 473-7090
Fax: (805) 473-7094
350 North Main Street Templeton, CA 93465
Tel: (805) 434-5950
Fax: (805) 434-5953
2156 Sierra Way San Luis Obispo , CA 93401
Tel: (805) 781-5910
Fax: (805) 781-1035