Preventing pests from becoming established in an agricultural system is an important component of any integrated pest management program. Exotic pests may flourish in new environments if imported without their natural enemies.

The Agricultural Commissioner regulates the commercial and private transport of plants into and out of Santa Barbara County. Commercial and private citizens, alike, are requested to respect California's quarantine laws to prevent the introduction of exotic pests.

Exclusion  - Pest exclusion is the first line of defense against invasion by exotic pests. Incoming commercial and private shipments of plant material are subject to inspection for compliance with plant import regulations. Infested or prohibited shipments are subject to regulatory action. Descriptions of some pestsof concern are available online. Contact office for more information. 

Pest Detection & Management  - Pest detection is the second line of defense against exotic pest introduction. Surveys are conducted on a periodic basis to detect exotic insects. Regulatory actions or eradication projects may be conducted on incipient infestations. Unfortunately, exotic pests do occasionally get established. When feasible, the department works towards the long term biological control of newly introduced pests. Project reports in pest detection and management are available online. 

Export Certification - Plant exports may require certification for freedom from insects and disease when shipped to certain states and countries. The receiving state or country may require certification according to state, federal or local standards. Contact office for information on other states' and countries' quarantine regulations. Also, a browsable database of other countries' quarantine regulations is available, at cost, through Purdue University. Contact excerpt@ceris.purdue.edu for information about an annual subscription. 

Standards - Agricultural products from lemons to orchids and honey to eggs must meet certain quality and packaging standards. Information on nursery, produce, or organic standards is available by contacting our offices.

Laboratory Services -  An entomologist and plant pathologist are on staff to support the regulatory mandate of the department. Laboratory services are available for agriculture and the general public. Accurate identification of a pest species assists in protecting agricultural resources, and in making informed pest management decisions.