An invasive species known as the glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) was discovered on an ornamental plant at an Arroyo Grande nursery on Aug. 3, according to officials with the San Luis Obispo County Department of Agriculture.
The insect was positively identified by the California Department of Food and Agriculture the following day, triggering an immediate response from local authorities. The source of the insect remains undetermined.
"We conducted a systematic survey of every host plant within a quarter mile of where we found the pest," said Samuel Bettien, Deputy Agricultural Commissioner.
The species is known to spread Pierce's disease, posing a significant threat to the grape and wine industry.
Bettien said the insect was found through one of their monitoring traps, part of the county's pest detection program.
Their extensive survey found no additional sharpshooters or evidence of an established population.
He said this case is entirely unrelated to a separate investigation in June, when a Fresno County nursery shipped grape plants containing sharpshooter life stages to Costco locations statewide.
Assistant Agricultural Commissioner David Aguayo said the department placed around 60 traps in the area in response to the discovery.
"At this point, we are increasing the frequency of checking those traps on a regular basis to ensure that it remains free of GWSS," Aguayo said.
Officials will continue monitoring these traps for the remainder of the month. The department says it relies on open communication with the public to help track down and contain these cases.
Bettien said the best way to keep this invasive species away is to shop smart when purchasing plants.
"Buy plants locally, shop at local nurseries, hire local licensed landscape contractors," Bettien said. "If you purchase a plant online or outside of the county, make sure you call the Department of Agriculture immediately."
