New glassy-winged sharpshooter infestation declared in eastern Modesto
Three adult glassy-winged sharpshooters and 11 dry or emerged egg masses have been found in eastern Modesto since October, prompting a third active eradication project in Stanislaus County.
A third eradication project in Stanislaus County
A new glassy-winged sharpshooter infestation has been declared in eastern Modesto, increasing the number of active eradication projects in Stanislaus County to three. The other projects are in Turlock and Waterford.1
Since October, officials have detected three adult insects and 11 egg masses that were dry or had already emerged. Crews are using traps and visual surveys to determine the infestation’s extent and inform the next steps.1
Threat to vineyards and other plants
The glassy-winged sharpshooter can transmit Pierce’s disease, which kills grapevines. Because the insect feeds on hundreds of plant species found in residential yards, landscaped spaces and agricultural areas, officials are seeking to prevent it from becoming established in additional Northern California communities.1
Stanislaus County contains more than 130 grape-growing properties. Its 6,307 acres of grapes were valued at approximately $30 million in 2024.1
Long-term control efforts
Glassy-winged sharpshooter eradication projects can last several years. The Pierce’s Disease Control Program currently oversees eradication work in five counties and has eliminated 18 infestations since 2001.1
Sources
Written by the Dionysus editors from the sources above.
