May 8, 2023

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the United States Department of Agriculture discovered Huanglongbing, also known as HLB or citrus greening disease, in Garden Grove and other Orange County cities.

The disease is spread by a pest called the Asian citrus psyllid, a small insect that feeds on citrus tree leaves, which causes a bacteria, called Huanglongbing, to spread. If a tree is infected, it can die in as little as five years.

HLB kills citrus trees and has no cure. The disease is not harmful to humans or animals.

Treatments are the most effective way to protect trees from the Asian citrus psyllid, and HLB. Residents within the affected areas will be notified in writing at least 48 hours in advance of any treatment from CDFA staff. For specific questions about the treatments, please call (800) 491-1899. If the trees test positive for HLB, they will be removed to prevent the spread of the disease.

The removal is done by the CDFA at no cost to the owner.

If you suspect your tree has the disease, call the CDFA at (800) 491-1899. For more information and location of maps, please visit www.californiacitrusthreat.org or ggcity.org/huanglongbing.