Sacramento, California — Agricultural officials across Northern California are warning residents to take immediate action after a dangerous invasive insect capable of destroying vineyards and damaging crops was discovered on plants sold at Costco stores.
The alert comes after inspectors found the glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) on shipments of grapevines and citrus plants distributed to Costco locations throughout multiple California counties.
Invasive Insect Found on Costco Plant Shipments
According to agricultural authorities, the pest was discovered on plant shipments delivered to Costco stores across 10 Northern California counties, including Sacramento, Napa and Solano.
Officials said the affected grapevines originated from Burchell Nursery in Fresno County and were sold at Costco stores between April 21 and May 21.
The discovery has raised concerns among agriculture experts because the insect is known for spreading a destructive bacterial infection that can devastate vineyards and other valuable crops.
Why Officials Are Concerned
The primary threat comes from the glassy-winged sharpshooter’s ability to spread Pierce’s Disease, a bacterial infection that can kill grapevines and severely impact agricultural operations.
California’s wine industry, one of the state’s most valuable agricultural sectors, could face significant risks if the insect becomes established in new areas.
Officials also warned that the pest is not limited to vineyards.
“GWSS can also damage almond, citrus and ornamental plants,” Sacramento County Agricultural Commissioner Chrisandra Flores said in a statement.
The insect’s ability to affect multiple plant species has made containment efforts a top priority for agricultural departments throughout the region.
Hundreds of Plants Still Unaccounted For
Sacramento County inspectors have already identified and destroyed 160 grapevines at local Costco locations in an effort to stop the spread of the pest.
However, officials say hundreds of potentially infested plants remain missing because they were purchased by customers before inspectors discovered the issue.
Authorities are particularly concerned about grapevines sold at Costco stores in Sacramento and Marysville, where some of the affected plants may now be located on private property.
The uncertainty surrounding the plants’ locations has made tracking and containment more difficult.
Officials Urge Residents to Follow Instructions
Agriculture officials are asking anyone who recently purchased grapevines from the affected Costco locations to take immediate precautions.
Residents have been instructed to place two plastic garbage bags over the plants and securely seal them to prevent any insects from escaping.
For customers who purchased citrus plants, officials are requesting that they contact their local agricultural department to arrange an inspection.
Authorities emphasized that consumers should not return the plants to Costco, move them to another location, or attempt to dispose of them on their own.
Community Help Needed to Prevent Spread
Officials say public cooperation will be critical to preventing the invasive insect from becoming permanently established in Northern California.
“The County has been vigilant in preventing this pest from becoming established, to date. It is imperative that the community pull together to help us limit the risk to our local vineyards and agriculture,” Flores said.
Agricultural experts warn that placing the plants in standard trash bins or compost piles could unintentionally spread the infestation even further.
The investigation and containment efforts remain ongoing as authorities work to locate remaining plants and reduce the threat to California’s agriculture industry.
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