Sterile Flies Saved California's Farms | San Jose News

San Jose’s epic quarantine battle against the Mediterranean fruit fly is over — thanks to a sci-fi-inspired insect strategy. For nearly a year, 250,000 sterile male flies were released weekly across 241 square miles, plus targeted insecticide and plant removal, to crash the pest’s population. This success story, repeated over 50 years, proves teamwork between state and federal agencies can save California’s $250B+ agriculture industry. Now, with the threat still lurking, officials urge the public to help: report suspicious flies, let inspectors into your yard, and watch what you bring in or send out. Your backyard could be the next line of defense. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/5041164d23637328