AN INVASIVE PEST HAS RECENTLY ARRIVED IN THE CENTRAL COAST. THE BAGRADA BUG, A SPECIES NATIVE TO AFRICA, WAS FIRST REPORTED IN LOS ANGELES IN 2008. THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE PEST HAS EXPANDED NORTHWARDS SINCE ITS ARRIVAL. THE INSECT FEEDS ON CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES AND HAS CAUSED DAMAGE TO OTHER CROPS INCLUDING BARLEY, CORN, PEPPERS, AND POTATOES. THE COMMUNITY HAS BEEN URGED TO USE PESTICIDES AND GARDENERS ARE DISCOURAGED FROM GROWING HOST PLANTS TO AVOID BAGRADA BUG INFESTATIONS.
