Glassy-winged sharpshooter adult and (out-of-focus) nymph on green lemon twig.
Pests in the Urban Landscape
Article

Purchased a Grapevine at Costco in N. CA Recently? Read This!

  • May 28, 2026
  • By Karey Windbiel-Rojas

Updated May 29, 2026 at 4:30pm

An invasive insect called the glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) has been found on grapevine shipments sold at select Costco locations in Northern California between April 21 and May 21, 2026. Note that the timeframe for grapevine plants sold at Costco has been extended to April 21–May 21. This is an evolving situation, and officials are continuing to investigate shipments and update affected areas as new information becomes available. The Pierce’s Disease Control Program, county agricultural commissioners and Costco are actively responding to the situation.

Costco is not at fault and is cooperating with CDFA's response.

If you or someone you know has recently purchase a grape plant at Costco, please read this article to know what to do, what NOT to do, and how to help limit the spread of the insect and the disease it carries.

Glassy-winged sharpshooter leafhopper adult
Glassy-winged sharpshooter leafhopper adult on a grape leaf. Credit: Jack Kelly Clark

GWSS is an invasive insect pest that spreads a bacterium which causes a fatal grapevine disease (called Pierce’s disease), potentially affecting California vineyards. The pest can also damage citrus trees, landscape plants and other crops. Early detection and rapid response are critical to preventing the pest from spreading further.

State and local agricultural officials identified the issue quickly and immediately began response and containment efforts. The infested nursery stock came from Burchell Nursery in Fresno. Costco has been cooperative in notifying customers, issuing refunds and helping connect purchasers with local county agricultural commissioner offices for inspection and disposal guidance.

Impacted Costco Locations By County

Contact your local agriculture department (websites and phone numbers listed below)
As of 5/29/2026 at 10:00a.m.

Side view next to brown-lined lump of egg blister on lower leaf surface
Adult glassy-winged sharpshooter next to egg blister on underside of leaf. Credit: Jack Kelly Clark

What to Do if You Purchased a Plant

People who purchased a grapevine from Costco in an affected county between April 21 and May 19, should take the following steps:

  • Isolate the plant:
    • Keep the plant in its original pot or container and away from other plants.
    • Do not put the plant in the ground if you have not already done so.
    • If possible, place the plant(s) in two trash bags, one inside the other, and seal them closed.
    • Do not return, transport or relocate the plant.
    • Do not place the plant in the trash or compost bin.
  • Contact your local County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office right away:
    • An agricultural inspector will come to look at the plant and other nearby host plants.
    • If inspectors find GWSS on the grapevine, they will safely remove and dispose of the plant.
    • GWSS monitoring traps may be placed on the property.
    • Please cooperate with local inspectors if they need to investigate plants on your property.

Please help spread the word. Share this notice on your social media, local networks, or simply talk to your neighbors and friends. 

For more information and prepared graphics for sharing on social media, visit https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/pdcp/gwss-costco-plants.html .