Agricultural officials in Northern California have issued an urgent warning after an invasive, plant-killing insect was discovered on grapevines and citrus plants sold at local Costco stores.
The insect, known as the glassy-winged sharpshooter, carries a bacterial disease that can destroy entire vineyards. Inspectors found it on plant shipments across 10 counties, including Sacramento, Napa and Solano.
Sacramento County officials said the affected grapevines came from Burchell Nursery in Fresno County and went out to Costco stores between April 21 and May 21.
Inspectors in Sacramento County have already found and 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 for agricultural authorities 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,” Sacramento County Agricultural Commissioner Chrisandra Flores said in a statement. “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.”
Agriculture officials have advised residents who recently purchased grapevines from these locations to immediately place two plastic garbage bags over the plants and secure them tightly to prevent any insects from escaping. For recently purchased citrus plants, residents are asked to contact their local agriculture department to schedule an inspection.
Officials explicitly warned consumers not to return, transport or relocate the plants, and cautioned that they should not be placed in regular trash or compost bins, which could spread the infestation.
The Independent has contacted Costco for comment.
