Agricultural officials in Northern California have issued an urgent warning after the invasive glassy-winged sharpshooter was discovered on grapevines and citrus plants sold at local Costco stores. The insect carries a bacterial disease that can destroy entire vineyards.
Inspectors found the pest on plant shipments across 10 counties, including Sacramento, Napa and Solano. The affected grapevines came from Burchell Nursery in Fresno County and were sold at Costco between April 21 and May 21.
Sacramento County officials have already destroyed 160 grapevines at local Costco locations, but hundreds of potentially infested plants remain unaccounted for after being purchased by customers at the Marysville and Sacramento stores.
The primary concern is the insect’s ability to spread Pierce’s Disease, a bacterial infection that kills grapevines and threatens other plants. “GWSS can also damage almond, citrus and ornamental plants,” said Sacramento County Agricultural Commissioner Chrisandra Flores.
Officials urge anyone who purchased grapevines or other Burchell Nursery plants from Costco between April 21 and May 21 to isolate the plant in its original pot, seal it in two secured trash bags, and contact the Sacramento County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office immediately. Do not return, transport, or dispose of the plants in regular trash or compost bins.
