Glassy-winged sharpshooters are a serious threat to California’s grape industry because they transmit Pierce’s Disease. (File photo by Thomas Kelsey, The Press-Enterprise/Southern California News Group)

Q: Laura, recently I discovered some small black and brown bugs on my grapevines; they have a nose that is aimed down and black wings going straight back and are about a half inch long and look to have six legs. The leaves show signs of what looks like a snail trail and are deformed. Do you have any idea what they are and how to get rid of them?

A: Glassy-winged sharpshooter is a leafhopper that is relatively large (about a half-inch long) and appears dark brown or black when viewed at an angle. The wings are clear (they’re called “glassy-winged” for a reason), but they can appear dark brown due to the insect’s dark body.

In springtime, the female lays her eggs just underneath the surface of grape leaves, which causes scarring of the leaf tissue. These insects insert their mouthparts into the vascular system of the host plant and feed on its juices, like itty bitty vampires.

If a grapevine is heavily infested with sharpshooters, there will be liquid dripping from the affected leaves, mimicking raindrops. Unfortunately, the “rain” is actually waste from sharpshooters.

Glassy-winged sharpshooters are a serious threat to California’s grape industry because they transmit Pierce’s Disease. Pierce’s Disease is caused by a bacteria species that clogs a plant’s vascular system and can kill a grapevine within three years of initial infection.

rIf you suspect that your grapevines have glassy-winged sharpshooters, contact the California Department of Food and Agriculture at 800-491-1899.

Q: How can you tell if you have a bat problem? We have found droppings outside our front door, just under the eaves, and we suspect they are from bats.

A: Bats are marvelous creatures, but if they take up residence in your attic you may not think so. If you suspect that the poop on your stoop came from bats, take a closer look. Bat poop (or guano) is brittle and contains shiny insect bits. It is not white and chalky like bird droppings, and mouse poop consists of tiny oval pellets without bling.

Look for possible entry points under the eaves. Bats, like mice, can squeeze through openings as small as a quarter of an inch. Watch for bat activity at sundown to determine where they are gaining access. If there are only a few, wait until late fall before acting (if possible). Closing access points after the bats have left for the winter is much better than sealing everything up when there might be dependent youngsters inside.

If a bat happens to find its way into your house, don’t panic. Try to confine him to one room and remove pets (and humans) from that room. Open a window and remove the screen, and he will find his way out. If he refuses to leave, trap him in a small bucket or trash can and release him outdoors. Bats will bite in self-defense, so avoid direct handling. If you must approach, wear heavy leather gloves for protection.Have gardening questions? Email


Los Angeles County; 626-586-1988;

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