Invasive pests found on grapevines sold at Sacramento area Costco stores

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’s Office said in a news release.

The glassy-winged sharpshooter is an invasive insect that poses a serious threat to California’s vineyards.

The county stated 160 grapevines delivered to Sacramento area Costco locations have been destroyed thus far.

But, the county noted, “Hundreds of grapevines are unaccounted for and are in the possession of community members who purchased them at Sacramento Costco’s.”

“GWSS is a non-native invasive pest and vector of Pierce’s Disease, a killer of grapevines,” said Sacramento County Agricultural Commissioner Chrisandra Flores. “It is imperative that the community pull together to help us limit the risk to our local vineyards and agriculture.”

The affected grapevines came from Burchell Nursery, Inc., located in Fresno County, officials said.

A news release by the state Department of Food and Agriculture said shipments containing the insects also went to Costco stores in Alameda, Marin, Placer, San Mateo, Solano, Stanislaus and Yolo counties. Authorities are still evaluating additional suspect samples from several other counties, including Butte, Contra Costa, Humboldt, Merced, Napa and Sonoma counties.

Officials in Napa and Yuba counties said glassy winged sharpshooters had been confirmed in grape plants sold at Costcos in those counties.

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.

“We are working closely with Costco and our state and regional partners to identify affected plants and protect local agriculture and home gardens,” Izquierdo said.

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.

Agricultural officials are urging anyone who purchased the grapevines from the Costco stores beginning April 21, 2026, to contact their county agriculture office.

The insects also were found on grapevines sold at a Costco store in Marysville beginning May 21, the Yuba County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office said in a separate news release. The Nevada County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office also issued an alert on the infested grapevines.

Back in 2019, Sacramento County was able to prevent outbreaks of the disease that’s caused by the glassy-winged sharpshooters, according to previous reporting from The Bee.

Costco is directly contacting members who purchased the plants and has been a cooperative partner with all county agricultural commissioners, a news release said.

“Costco is not at fault here, and they’ve been an exceptional partner throughout this process,” Marin County Agricultural Commissioner Joe Deviney said. “They acted quickly, cooperated fully, and helped us reach customers as fast as possible. We’re fortunate to have such a proactive retailer working with us to protect Marin’s agriculture.”

What are glassy-winged sharpshooters?

Glassy-winged sharpshooters are native to the southeastern United States and northeastern Mexico, the California Department of Food and Agriculture said.

They were first reported in California in 1994 but probably arrived in the state in the late 1980s.

The insects can carry Pierce’s disease, a bacterial infection that is often fatal to grapevines, according to the USDA. It also can damage almond, citrus and ornamental plants leading to significant economic and environmental impact.

What should you do?

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:

• 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’s office.

This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 2:08 PM with the headline "Invasive pests found on grapevines sold at Sacramento area Costco stores."