Quarantines

Apple maggot is a pest that threatens Washington's iconic apple industry, as well as many of our other fruit crops. Apple maggot is spread through the transport of homegrown fruit and municipal waste into the pest-free areas of the state. Common fruits it targets include apple, crab apple, and hawthorn, among others. The apple maggot quarantine prohibits the movement of homegrown fruit and municipal waste from a quarantined area into or through a pest-free area. To view a map of the quarantine area, click here. 
 

Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica) are highly invasive pests of more than 300 plants, including roses, grapes, and hops. The beetles damage plants by skeletonizing the foliage. Adults also feed on buds, flowers, and fruit on the plants and are frequently intercepted with air cargo from the Eastern U.S.

Japanese beetle larvae are found in soil with the roots of host plants. They are common under turf or sod and can be moved from one location to another in potted plants, infested turf/sod, gardening soil, and yard waste. 

The internal quarantine prohibits the movement of regulated articles located inside the quarantine area from moving outside of it, unless they are treated in a manner described in the rule.

All plant material shipped into or within Washington State must be accompanied by an inspection certificate and/or any certification tag/label of the state of origin and be free from injurious pests, disease, and noxious weeds. Shipments must be labeled to identify each species or variety of plant with the botanical name and/or the common name. 

Spongy moth is one of the most destructive pests to trees and shrubs ever introduced into the United States. WSDA has successfully protected Washington's environment from spongy moths since the 1970's. If you are moving to Washington State from a spongy moth infested state, you are required by federal law to conduct an inspection of your outdoor household items for spongy moth before you move.

Check USDA's Spongy Moth Quarantine Map to find out if you are moving from a spongy moth quarantine area. If so, complete USDA's Spongy Moth Self Inspection Checklist prior to moving.
 
For more information on the spongy moth quarantine, visit USDA's Before Moving, Check for the Spongy Moth web page.