1.   A half-dozen or so new pests are identified in California each year.

2.   Once a new pest or disease makes a successful landing, the consequences can be dire, and expensive.

3.   The biggest battle has been with Japanese beetles, a relatively new pest in this part of the world.

4.   Two new exotic pests have established beachheads in Southern California and already have begun to leave their mark, entomologists say.

5.   With the continued globalization of agriculture, the incidence of new pests and diseases is increasing.