The Sacramento County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office is issuing an urgent public alert regarding grapevine plants sold at Costco Wholesale stores in Sacramento County infested with the glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS), an invasive insect that poses a serious threat to California’s vineyards.
Between April 21, 2026, and May 21, 2026, Costco Wholesale locations received multiple shipments of grapevines from Burchell Nursery, Inc., located in Fresno County. All life stages of GWSS have been detected on these shipments across multiple counties, including Sacramento, Sonoma, Marin, Solano, Yolo and others.
160 grapevines delivered to Sacramento Costco’s have been destroyed and multiple GWSS life stages have been found by Ag Department Inspectors. Hundreds of grapevines are unaccounted for and are in the possession of community members who purchased them at Sacramento Costco’s.
Costco is directly contacting members who purchased plants within the timeframe and has been a cooperative partner with all County Ag Commissioners.
“GWSS is a non-native invasive pest and vector of Pierce’s Disease, a killer of grapevines,” said Sacramento County Agricultural Commissioner, Chrisandra Flores. “GWSS can also damage almond, citrus and ornamental plants. 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”.
What We Are Asking You to Do: If you purchased grapevines or other Burchell Nursery plants from Costco between April 21 and May 21, please:
- 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.
- Immediately contact the Sacramento County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office at 916-875-6603 or agcomm@saccounty.gov.
- An agricultural inspector will be dispatched the same day to examine the grapevine, fruit tree(s) and any nearby host plants.
- As a precautionary measure, GWSS monitoring traps may be placed on the property
For more information about GWSS and Pierce’s disease, visit the California Department of Food and Agriculture.