Introduction Conclusions Preventing the introduction and establishment of invasive species is always the best--and least costly-- method of control.

Introduction Conclusions Pest Exclusion is the Key First step in the pest prevention battle Every dollar spent on pest exclusion saves $17 ($24 in 2006*) in control or eradication costs.** Avoids habitat destruction and native species loss Excluding pests avoids additional pesticides in our urban and natural environments Pest free agricultural production is essential to California’s economy*** * Adjusted for Inflation (US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index, 2006) ** Congressional Office of Technology, “Harmful Non-indigenous Species in the US,” 1993 *** Shaded areas on any of the maps that follow illustrate the detection/presence of a pest within a particular state’s political boundaries and do not necessarily indicate its known range within that state.

Introduction Conclusions Citrus Canker Citrus canker is a highly contagious and devastating disease caused by bacteria. Movement of infected plants, seedlings, plant cuttings and fruit risks spreading this disease from one state to another.

Introduction Conclusions Asian Longhorned Beetle A new pest here (and an old one in its home country of China), the Asian longhorned beetle is a serious threat to hardwood trees and has no known predators in the U.S. It can be spread via live plants, wooden packaging material and in timber.

Introduction Conclusions Gypsy Moth Gypsy moth is an important pest of hardwoods and has an extensive ecological range. Life stages of the insect can “hitchhike” on items moving long distances, such as nursery stock, vehicles, forest products and outdoor household items.

Introduction Conclusions Japanese Beetle Japanese beetles are known to feed on at least 295 species of plants in the U.S. Larval damage to plants occurs belowground and from adults aboveground. Beetles are routinely intercepted on ships and aircraft and also found in agricultural produce and soil.

Introduction Conclusions Emerald Ash Borer The larvae of this Asian beetle feed on the cambium layer of ash trees, between the bark and wood, eventually killing branches and entire trees. The insect can be spread via nursery plant shipments.

Introduction Conclusions French Tamarisk Also known as saltceder, tamarisk is an aggressive competitor against native plants, developing into monocultures that are suspected of lowering water tables and modifying wetlands and wildlife habitats.

Introduction Conclusions Diaprepes Root Weevil Diaprepes root weevil is native to the Caribbean and is a serious pest of citrus, ornamental plants and some crops. A single female can lay up to 5,000 eggs. This beetle can be transported accidentally via plants or soil.

Introduction Conclusions Quagga Mussel Dreissena species, including the closely related quagga and zebra mussels, are less than an inch long but reproduce by the millions. These rapidly spreading invaders can coat nearly every available surface, clog pipelines, damage machinery, harm fishery resources, change ecosystems, and foul water with their waste.

Introduction Conclusions Considerations Investment in pest exclusion efforts is essential. Agriculture, the environment, our natural resources and our citizens all stand to benefit. Exclusion reduces the need for pesticides. Our pest prevention system is straining to keep pace with invasive species.