Consumer Alert Issued for Grapevines Purchased at Costo Locations

Published on May 27, 2026

Urgent Consumer Alert Issued for Grapevines Purchased at Northern California Costo Locations

(PLACERVILLE, CA) The El Dorado County Agricultural Commissioner is advising residents to take precautions after the invasive glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) was found on grapevines delivered to Costco stores throughout California. Residents who purchased grapevines or other plants at Costco between April 21 and May 26, 2026, should:

• For ALL plants: Contact the El Dorado County Agriculture Department at (530) 621-5520 or email eldcag@edcgov.us immediately to schedule pick up of grapevines and/or inspection of other plants and receive guidance on how to prevent further spread and infestation of the glassy-winged sharpshooter.
• For grapevines: place two garbage bags over plants and secure them tightly.
• For other plants: use the contact information above to schedule Agriculture Department inspection.
• Do not attempt to return, transport or relocate plants.
• Do not place plants in the trash or compost bin. 

“El Dorado County has been fighting a costly eradication effort in El Dorado Hills since October 2024 against the Glassy-winged sharpshooter which poses an immediate and serious threat to EL Dorado County vineyards. This pest transmits the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa which causes the deadly Pierce’s disease in grapevines” said LeeAnne Mila, El Dorado County Agricultural Commissioner. “To combat this new potential pathway of spreading this invasive pest we are asking for community-wide cooperation to help limit this risk,” she added.  “If you recently purchased grapevines or other plants at any Costco, contact the Agriculture Department so we can safely dispose of vines and inspect other plants.”

In addition to jeopardizing California vineyards, glassy-winged sharpshooters can damage other agricultural commodities and plants in home landscapes. Members who purchased grapevines from a Northern California Costco should receive emails regarding refunds for their purchase.

 GWSS is a highly mobile pest and immediate action needs to be taken. Containment of this pest is vital to protecting the agricultural resources of not only El Dorado County but all of California.

Pictured above: Left, a plant tag for an “Autumn Royal” grape vine from Burchell Nursery, a variety of seedless purple table grape. Right, a glassy-winged sharpshooter.

Pictured above: size comparison of an adult glassy-winged sharpshooter.

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