By Selena Simmons-Duffin

The quarantine zone in San Mateo County for the light brown apple moth has been greatly expanded due to recent new moth findings, the county health department announced Monday.

Four moths were found in the 2600 block of Alpine Road, in the unincorporated area between Menlo Park and Portola Valley, according to county Agricultural Commissioner Gail Raabe.

People in affected areas, which include all or large portions of every city on the Bay side of the county, are asked not to remove vegetables, fruit, flowers or plants from their property. Plant clippings, leaves, and other yard waste should be placed in recycling containers or composted on site.

These restrictions apply to plants grown on the property. Stores and growers that have regular inspections and have signed compliance agreements are exempted.

At the caterpillar stage, the light brown apple moth eats new shoots and leaves of more than 250 varieties of plants, including cypress, oak, Monterey pine, and many plants found in the average garden and yard, the California Department of Food and Agriculture says. The moth is a quarter-inch long and tan in color, with some darker brown markings; it reproduces five times a year.

Light brown apple moth eradication is considered an emergency by the CDFA. The pest's presence in California makes agricultural exports subject to restrictions in Canada and Mexico.

The CDFA has begun an eradication program, which includes pheromone treatment in isolated infested areas now, and the release of infertile insects scheduled for next spring.

For more information, call 363-4700 or go to this San Mateo County Web site.