has been present in California, though widespread confirmed insect captures have been found across much of the coastal region of the state. After the moth was confirmed for the first time by DNA testing to be present in California in 2007, quarantine measures and a controversial program of aerial spraying proprietary synthetic pheromones over urban and suburban areas was begun. Other less controversial efforts included nursery and grower treatment of potential infestations in plants using graduated Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques with pesticides, smothering oils, and biologic controls such as Bacillus thuringiensis. USDA officials obtained an Emergency Exemption from Registration from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that allowed them to bypass state rules for the use of pesticides, such as the production of an environmental impact report that would normally be required. Public outcry was significant after an initial round of aerial spraying, when over 600 complaints of adverse health effects were reported to government agencies and local groups opposing the aerial spraying. In June 2008, the California Department of Food and Agriculture announced that it was abandoning plans for aerial spraying over population centers in favor of using local application of pheromone-impregnated twist-ties, a control measure that has proven effective in New Zealand. In December 2015, an appeals court ruled against the LBAM pesticide program on the grounds that it violated state environmental laws. References External links Light Brown Apple Moth CISR: Center for Invasive Species Research California Department of Food and Agriculture LBAM website United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service LBAM website light brown apple moth on the UF / IFAS Featured Creatures Web site Species Profile- Light Brown Apple Moth (Epiphyas postvittana), National Invasive Species Information Center, United States National Agricultural Library. Lists general information and resources for Light Brown Apple Moth. Epiphyas Agricultural pest insects Moths described in 1863 Moths of Australia Tortricidae of Europe Insects of New Caledonia Moths of New Zealand Moths of North America Taxa named by Francis Walker (entomologist)