Agricultural Pests (Insects and Diseases)

Native to southern Italy, the larva of this tiny (7 millimeter long) moth can cause severe damage to vineyards. It has been found in Sonoma and Napa counties, but not in Marin. Detection traps are placed in Marin County to monitor its distribution and to prevent its spread.

The Glassy-winged Sharpshooter is a leaf hopper that can carry a bacterium that is devastating to wine grapes and many other agricultural crops and ornamental plants. Incoming plant shipments from infested counties (primarily southern California) are inspected for live adults and egg masses.

The Gypsy Moth is one of the most destructive pests of hardwood forests and shade trees in the United States, and is known to defoliate millions of acres of trees in a single season. The larva feed on over 500 species of plants and has few natural predators. It is established in the northeastern states, parts of the Midwest, and isolated infestations have been found in Washington, Idaho, Colorado, Utah and Oregon.

Native to Australia, the larva of this tiny (7-12 millimeter long) moth will feed on over 2,000 species of plants. Parts of Marin County are infested with this pest but we are working closely with local nurseries and other growers to ensure they are able to move their valuable commodities.

Sudden Oak Death (SOD) is a disease caused by the plant pathogen Phytophthora ramorum, and has caused widespread oak and tanoak dieback in native forests of northern and central coastal California and southwestern Oregon.

This link will take you to the California Department of Food and Agriculture's (CDFA’s) Insect Pest Profiles. This is a great resource for learning about pests that pose significant economic and environmental threats to our county and state.