![\"Invasive](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/bug.jpg\" "\\"Invasive")
<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Invasive glassy-winged sharpshooters have been found on grapevines sold at Costco stores in Sacramento, Napa, Sonoma, Marin, Solano, Yuba and Yolo counties in Northern California, officials warn. The invasive leafhoppers spread harmful bacteria which causes a disease that will eventually kill the grapevines, according to the USDA.<\/p>\n
Contra Costa County<\/p>\n
An invasive pest found on grapevines sold at Costco stores in Sacramento County as well as Costco stores elsewhere has prompted a public alert, the Sacramento County Agricultural Commissioner\u2019s Office said in a news release.<\/p>\n
The glassy-winged sharpshooter is an invasive insect that poses a serious threat<\/a> to California\u2019s vineyards.<\/p>\n The county stated 160 grapevines delivered to Sacramento area Costco locations have been destroyed thus far.<\/p>\n But, the county noted, \u201cHundreds of grapevines are unaccounted for and are in the possession of community members who purchased them at Sacramento Costco\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGWSS is a non-native invasive pest and vector of Pierce\u2019s Disease, a killer of grapevines,\u201d said Sacramento County Agricultural Commissioner, Chrisandra Flores. \u201cIt is imperative that the community pull together to help us limit the risk to our local vineyards and agriculture.\u201d<\/p>\n The affected grapevines came from Burchell Nursery, Inc., located in Fresno County, officials said.<\/p>\n Shipments also went to Costco stores in Solano, Sonoma, Marin, Yolo and other counties, according to the news release.<\/p>\n Yolo County Agricultural Commissioner Humberto Izquierdo also urged residents to take immediate precautions. Grapevines were sold at the Woodland Costco, a release from the county said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are working closely with Costco and our state and regional partners to identify affected plants and protect local agriculture and home gardens,\u201d Izquierdo said.<\/p>\n Although the pest does not pose a threat to humans or animals, residents should not attempt to return, transport, relocate, dispose of, or compost the plants, according to the release, since doing so may contribute to the spread of the infestation.<\/p>\n Agricultural officials are urging anyone who purchased the grapevines from the Costco stores beginning April 21, 2026, to contact their county agriculture office.<\/p>\n The insects also were found on grapevines sold at a Costco store in Marysville beginning May 21, the Yuba County Agricultural Commissioner\u2019s Office said in a separate news release. The Nevada County Agricultural Commissioner\u2019s Office also issued an alert<\/a> on the infested grapevines.<\/p>\n Back in 2019, Sacramento County was able to prevent outbreaks of the disease that\u2019s caused by the glassy-winged sharpshooters, according to previous reporting from The Bee.<\/a><\/p>\n Costco is directly contacting members who purchased the plants and has been a cooperative partner with all County Ag Commissioners, a news release said.<\/p>\n \u201cCostco is not at fault<\/a> here, and they\u2019ve been an exceptional partner throughout this process,\u201d Marin County Agricultural Commissioner Joe Deviney said. \u201cThey acted quickly, cooperated fully, and helped us reach customers as fast as possible. We\u2019re fortunate to have such a proactive retailer working with us to protect Marin\u2019s agriculture.\u201d<\/p>\n What are glassy-winged sharpshooters?<\/p>\n Glassy-winged sharpshooters<\/a> are native to the southeastern United States and northeastern Mexico, the California Department of Food and Agriculture said.<\/p>\n They were first reported in California in 1994 but probably arrived in the state in the late 1980s.<\/p>\n The insects can carry Pierce\u2019s disease, a bacterial infection that is often fatal to grapevines, according to the USDA.<\/a> It also can damage almond, citrus and ornamental plants leading to significant economic and environmental impact.<\/p>\n What should you do?<\/p>\n If you purchased a grapevine, citrus tree, or other fruit tree at an affected Costco or neighboring Costco locations during April or May, you should:<\/p>\n Keep the plant isolated in its original pot or container.Do not plant the grapevine or tree if you have not already done so.If possible, place the plant(s) in two secured trash bags, one inside the other, and seal them closed.Do not attempt to return, transport, or relocate the plant.Do not place the plant in the trash or a compost bin.Contact your local agricultural commissioner\u2019s office.<\/p>\n Loading\u2026<\/p>\n This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 2:08 PM.<\/p>\n Related Stories from Sacramento Bee<\/p>\n