The Invasive & Exotic Pests webpage has been updated with a new look and new content. The webpage still highlights key exotic and invasive pests in California, leading viewers to the most current and important resources. New to the webpage are alerts for potential invasive pests that may not yet be in California. This addition assists Californians with keeping an eye out for pests that have a high likelihood of coming to California, since a rapid response when exotic pests invade is so important to preventing their establishment.

The goal is to add new invasive pest information as quickly as possible. Criteria was developed for what pests to include:

• Pests in California causing harm or have the potential to cause harm (e.g., causes harm in other similar areas)
• Pests that are not endemic:
• Not listed in a Pest Notes or Pest Management Guidelines
• Have an A, B or Q rating by California Department of Food and Agriculture (www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/regs_pestrating.html)
• Pests that are likely to come to California and cause harm or likely to become a problem in California again after an eradication effort; these pests to look out for are listed with an eye icon

There may be some exceptions as pests transition from invasive to established. For example, a pest that was listed on the Invasive & Exotic Pests webpage may be added to the Pest Management Guidelines. Even though it is in the Guidelines, the pest may still be featured on the webpage.

Changes reflecting the newly developed criteria included removing pests such as diaprepes root weevil, light brown apple moth, glassy-winged sharpshooter, spotted wing drosophila, vine mealybug, and tomato yellow leaf curl; changing the status of European grapevine moth to eradicated and something to watch for; and adding Italian white snail and nutria.

Invasive and exotic pests threaten California's natural environments, agricultural production, structures, landscapes and gardens. Learn more about the pests that are currently in California. Watch for pests that have a high likelihood of being detected in California in the near future. Don’t release exotic or invasive plants into the environment. Use plants native to your area for landscaping. Don’t bring foreign plant or animal material into California. Buy firewood where you burn it. Report invasive species in your area!