Invasive pests cost California $3 billion per year

California Senator Anthony Canella (R-Ceres) highlighted the high cost of invasive pests in California at an informal hearing Dec. 14 in Los Angeles, reported the Merced Sun-Star.

“Experts peg the negative economic impact caused by invasive pests at $3 billion every year, making pest prevention a concern for all California communities – not just those in rural areas,” Sen. Cannella said. “Today’s hearing offered an important opportunity to better understand the harm invasive pests pose to urban landscaping, waterways and public health and to discuss the role urban communities play in pest prevention and control.”

The list of experts who testified at the meeting included:

Beth Grafton-Cardwell, director of the UC Lindcove Research and Extension Center and the leader of the ANR Endemic and Invasive Pests and Diseases Strategic Initiative

John Kabashima, UC Cooperative Extension Orange County environmental horticulture advisor and director

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