Native to the southeast United States, the Glassy-winged Sharpshooter was first observed in California in 1990 and is now found throughout Southern California and into the Southern San Joaquin Valley. The Glassy-winged Sharpshooter is a serious agricultural pest in California. When feeding, it can transmit Pierce's Disease to grapevines, and other diseases to almond trees, alfalfa, citrus, and oleanders.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture contracts with San Mateo County through the Agricultural Commissioner to inspect plant shipments that are sent from GWSS infested areas into San Mateo County. The GWSS lays eggs in cigar shaped masses, usually on the undersides of leaves. By thorough inspection of GWSS host plants, the Agricultural Commissioner protects San Mateo County's agricultural industry, home gardens, and parks from GWSS infestations. As a second line of defense against the GWSS, the County Agriculture Department surveys for possible infestations by placing five traps per square mile throughout populated areas of the County from April through October. By detecting an infestation in the early stages, GWSS can be eradicated quickly which reduces the need for pesticides.
Do you think you have seen a Glassy-winged Sharpshooter in your yard?
- Collect the insect and compare it to the photographs at the CDFA website.
- If you believe that you have caught a Glassy-winged Sharpshooter, please call our office
at (650) 363-4700.
Related Links
GWSS is now found throughout Southern California and in localized areas in the state. This link will show you a map of the infestation in the state.
For More Information Please Contact:
San Mateo County Department of Agriculture
Phone: (650) 363-4700
Email: smateoag@smcgov.org