Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM)
Native to Australia, the Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM) was detected in California in 2007 in Alameda County. The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) surveyed for this new invasive pest and found it in eleven additional counties, including Marin. LBAM continues to spread and has been found in several more counties.
Parts of Marin County are infested with this pest but we are working closely with local nurseries and other growers to ensure they are able to move their valuable commodities. Our department works cooperatively with other county agriculture departments, CDFA, and USDA to manage this pest through the use of detection traps, nursery inspections, and education.
The larva of this tiny (7-12 millimeters long) moth will feed on over 2,000 species of plants, and is often found inside furled leaves, particularly on new growth. The larvae may also feed on fruit and flower buds, causing significant damage.
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