Moth Spray Intrusion

Letter to the Editor Ventura County Star

I’m one of the property owners whose home is in the approximately 267-acre quarantine zone at risk of infestation by the gypsy moth.



They presented an inspection/abatement warrant and promptly declared that they would begin immediately applying the pesticide Btk on my trees with or without my consent.

Despite a campaign to convince me of the safety of the Btk pesticide, I decided it was in the best interests of my family, animals and me to avoid having Btk sprayed in my yard. I am not alone in having made this choice. Twice, I called and politely denied permission to spray in my yard. I thought the matter was settled.

It came as a great surprise then that they acquired a warrant and showed up at my house without forewarning. I had no recourse nor any time to prepare. It was humiliating to have people I didn’t know entering my property and spraying my trees without my permission. With the CHP present, it felt like a law-enforcement operation.

The CDFA and county Agricultural Commissioner’s Office should be ashamed of themselves for their arrogant dismissal of property owners’ wishes, and also for the deceptive manner in which they acquired a warrant and came onto our properties without warning. There was not so much as a phone call, letter or notice. There was no attempt on their part to be respectful or diplomatic.

Ironically, they slipped an “Advanced Notification of Foliar Treatment” under my doormat before they left — after applying the treatment.

If they had intended to spray one way or the other, then why did they give us the impression we had a choice in the matter? Why hold any community meetings to discuss it?

I understand the need to protect our trees and agricultural resources from pests such as the gypsy moth.

However, the issue for me is bigger than the gypsy moth or the toxicity of Btk. It is the issue of individual liberty and property owners’ rights. I hope that the CDFA and county Agricultural Commissioner’s Office will be held to account.

— Derek Rodrigues lives in Ojai.