Shasta County, CA – The Shasta County Agricultural Commissioner is urgently asking residents to take immediate action after invasive glassy-winged sharpshooters were detected on plant shipments delivered to Costco stores throughout California.
Residents who purchased grapevines or citrus plants from any Costco store since April 21, 2026, are strongly urged to follow the instructions below immediately to help prevent the spread of this destructive agricultural pest:
FOR GRAPEVINES – (This does not include grapes purchased at Costco)
- Place two garbage bags over plants and secure them tightly. Then, contact your county agricultural commissioner.
FOR CITRUS PLANTS – (This does not include citrus fruit purchased at Costco)
- Contact the Agriculture Department immediately to schedule an inspection.
Do not return, transport, relocate, share, or give away plants, and do not place plants in trash bins or compost containers. Contact the Shasta County Agriculture Department at (530) 224-4949 or by email at [email protected] to schedule pickup of grapevines and/or inspection of citrus plants and receive guidance on preventing further spread of the glassy-winged sharpshooter.
“Glassy-winged sharpshooters pose a serious threat to vineyards, agriculture, and backyard plants throughout Shasta County and nearby areas,” said John Ingram, Shasta County Agricultural Commissioner. “These insects spread the bacterium called Xylella fastidiosa that causes Pierce’s disease, which can kill grapevines and severely damage vineyards. We need the community’s help to prevent the spread. If you recently purchased grapevines or citrus plants from Costco, please contact the Agriculture Department immediately so we can safely contain and eliminate this threat.”
Local Contact Information for Surrounding Departments of Agriculture:
Tehama County – 530-527-4504
Siskiyou County – 530-841-4025
Lassen County – 530-251-8110
Trinity County – 530-623-1356
Modoc County – 530-233-6401
Butte County – 530-552-4100
Attached pictures include a plant tag for an “Autumn Royal” grape vine from Burchell Nursery, a variety of seedless purple table grape, and a glassy-winged sharpshooter, which can sometimes be found on grape plants.
Please contact John Ingram at (530) 224-4949 or [email protected] if you have any questions.
