INLAND EMPIRE--It never went away. But, one critter is on the rebound.

It’s been 11-years since the glassy-winged sharpshooter began devouring grapevines in Temecula’s wine country. Forty percent of the vineyards were replanted.

Weather the past several months has been warmer than usual and that’s caused the insect to regain a foothold.

Riverside County “Ag” Commissioner John Snyder believes that while the sharpshooter will never be eradicated, it can be controlled, “With increased diligence and an outreach in education, there are strategies to help keep it at bay,” he said.

The pest also has found a home in residential landscaping.

Snyder says “It’s something we’ll have to live with.”

Story Date: July 10, 2009