Don’t Ship Pests into California
Purchase locally sourced produce, plants, seeds and natural materials
Purchasing produce, plants or other natural materials from uncertified sources, whether online or through mail-order, can have severe consequences. Unauthorized materials can unintentionally spread destructive invasive plant pests and diseases, and can result in confiscation or fines.
While it might seem harmless to ship plants, seeds, spices or other natural materials across state lines, invasive plant pests and diseases are sneaky hitchhikers and can cause irreversible impacts on California’s agricultural industry, native plants, animals, natural landscapes and recreation areas.
To keep California free from invasive pests, agricultural officials urge residents who are purchasing produce, plants or other natural materials to take simple precautions, including:
- Keep it Local. Buy plants, produce, seeds or other natural materials from local, licensed nurseries and retailers. To find a licensed nursery near you, visit CDFA’s Directory of Licensed Nurseries.
- Verify the origin of produce, plants or other natural materials before ordering online or shipping.
- Avoid shipping homegrown plants, produce or other natural materials.
California residents can also help prevent the spread of invasive species by:
- Becoming knowledgeable of invasive plant pest and disease quarantines in your area.
- Cooperating with local regulations, quarantines or agricultural officials – allow them access to your garden to place traps, inspect plants, conduct necessary treatments or remove potentially infested produce.
- Reporting signs of invasive pests or plant diseases to the California Department of Food and Agriculture at 1-800-491-1899 or your local county agricultural commissioner’s office.
- Reporting suspected agricultural smuggling to agriculture officials.
- Prioritizing planting native plants in our yards and landscapes.
- Please Don’t Pack a Pest (www.dontpackapest.com) when traveling or mailing/receiving packages.
To learn more about how to protect California against invasive species, visit cdfa.ca.gov/plant/
