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 restrictions. Infested or prohibited shipments are subject to regulatory action.

Plant quarantines protect the industry and environment by excluding plant pests via thorough inspection and certification at origin and destination.

Commodities are also inspected and certified in Ventura County prior to shipment to other states and foreign countries.

The Pest Detection Program is responsible for early detection of various insect pests not presently established within the state or the county, but which are known to be a threat to agriculture, the forest industries, urban landscape, or the natural environment.