Agricultural Commissioner Humberto Izquierdo is urging residents to take immediate precautions after the invasive glassy-winged sharpshooter was detected on grape plants sold at Sacramento area Costco stores, including the Woodland store. This leafhopper spreads Pierce’s disease, a bacterial infection that is fatal to grapevines and can also damage almond, citrus and ornamental plants, posing a significant threat to California agriculture and home gardens. The pest does not pose a threat to humans or animals.

Anyone who purchased grape plants from Sacramento area Costco stores beginning April 21, 2026 is asked to help prevent further spread of the pest by contacting their local county agricultural commissioner’s office.

“Now that the glassy-winged sharpshooter has been confirmed on these plants, preventing further spread is critical,” said Humberto Izquierdo, Agricultural Commissioner. “We are working closely with Costco and our state and regional partners to identify affected plants and protect local agriculture and home gardens.”

Community members are asked to contact the Yolo County Agriculture/Weights & Measures Department to schedule an inspection and pickup of affected plants. Residents should not attempt to return, transport, relocate, dispose of, or compost the plants, as doing so may contribute to the spread of the glassy-winged sharpshooter infestation. To arrange pickup and receive guidance on prevention measures, please contact the department at (530) 666-8140 or email Agriculture@YoloCounty.gov.

Native to the southeastern United States and Mexico, the glassy-winged sharpshooter was first detected in California in the 1990’s and has since become established in portions of central and southern California. The glassy-winged sharpshooter poses a significant threat to California’s grape industry and is also known to damage ornamental landscapes by feeding on 250 plant varieties.

Agricultural officials are urging residents to contact their local agriculture department if they purchased the grape plants in question, to prevent the glassy-winged sharpshooter’s spread into the Sacramento Area.