November 12, 2026 — A newly declared glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) infestation in eastern Modesto brings the number of active eradication projects in Stanislaus County to three, joining efforts in Turlock and Waterford.
Since October, officials have detected three adult GWSS and 11 dry/emerged egg masses in Modesto. Crews are using traps and visual surveys to assess the extent of the infestation and guide next steps.
The latest infestation underscores the importance of stopping GWSS before it becomes established in more Northern California communities. The pest can spread Pierce’s disease, which kills grapevines, and feeds on hundreds of plants commonly found in yards, landscapes and agricultural areas.
What’s at stake for local growers? Stanislaus County has more than 130 grape-growing properties, with 6,307 acres of grapes valued at approximately $30 million in 2024.
GWSS eradication projects can take several years. The Pierce’s Disease Control Program currently oversees eradication work in five counties and has eradicated 18 GWSS infestations since 2001.
