Can the GWSS invade areas where it does not currently exist?
Because GWSS can feed and lay eggs on such a wide variety of plants, it has the potential to increase its range in California. This species has been seen in high numbers in citrus along the coast of southern California since the early 1990s. During the past few years it has become locally abundant further inland in Riverside and San Diego counties. In 1998 and 1999 high populations on citrus and adjacent vineyards were seen in southern Kern County. The likelihood is very high that GWSS will spread ultimately northwards throughout the state. Currently, the “easiest” way GWSS are spread through the state is through transportation of commercial nursery products. As a result, state authorities have imposed agricultural quarantine restrictions on all nursery materials headed for areas of the state of California that currently do not have GWSS. State and county authorities are also closely monitoring areas of the state that do not currently have sharpshooters for the sudden appearance of the
