I think you would be doing yourself and your neighbors a favor if you crush any stick insects you see. Please do this.

But how do I know these aren't the native bugs rather than the imported bad guys? These ones don't get longer than 4 inches. They are kind of a nondescript buff-tan color. Does that sound like the pest species that's causing all the trouble in San Diego?

I did some quick Googling and believe I can name the species. It appears to be Carausius morosus aka Indian walking stick. It's mentioned as an introduced pest in Orange and San Diego counties. From what I've read, it is the No. 1 most popular species for walking stick pets. One site specifically mentioned English ivy as a preferred food plant. And guess what? Females don't need to mate to reproduce. If I'm correct in interpreting what I read, the bugs raised as pets are almost all female.

Conclusion: Terminate ... with extreme prejudice.

Here's a story from the San Diego Union. No mistaking it for a native.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20041226/news_1m26sticks.html

Here is a link that might be useful: nasty sticks

Oh for cryin' out loud: this woman in the article BREEDS THEM?????
Spinosad may help control them. It is a relatively safe byproduct of a bacteria (bacterium?) that kills leaf-eating insects. I mix it in very small amounts so that I can hand-spray selected areas. I have only used it against the citrus leaf-miner, but I hear it works on walking-sticks.

I wonder what types of parasitoids feed on them in their native habitat? Unfortunately, there won't be any investigation into that until/unless growers become alarmed.

Ryan

I was thinking of getting some praying mantises. I'll have to look into that Spinosad stuff.