California Citrus Mutual has launched a campaign to alert people outside of agriculture to the dangers of the Asian Citrus Psyllid.

Alyssa Houtby is with the group and said “Citrus Matters” will target southern valley homeowners.

“60 percent of homeowners have trees in their backyard, so they’re a vital part of the solution to stopping this pest and killing our citrus trees,” she said.

The insect can carry a incurable greening disease that can ruin the region’s $2.4 billion citrus industry.

Houtby said homeowners should watch for misshapen or green fruit, and should only buy local trees.

– Anthony Pollreisz