As California moves into the Fourth of July travel period and into the summer — thousands of vehicles will be crossing into and through the state. That seasonal surge in travel makes one thing especially important: keeping invasive pests and diseases from entering California.
A California Department of Food and Agriculture video featuring the Smith River Border Protection Station highlights how that work happens every day at the state’s inspection stations, where plant quarantine inspectors serve as the first line of defense.
As Independence Day travel increases, CDFA is reminding travelers that they can help support this work.
Simple actions make a difference:
- Do not transport fresh fruit or vegetables across state lines
- Avoid moving firewood from one region to another
- Be aware that plant material and outdoor items can carry pests
- Cooperate with inspection station staff when entering California
These steps help protect California’s natural resources, agricultural production, and public landscapes.
Watch the full feature
Resources:
Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services Division
Don’t Pack a Pest