Residents across El Dorado County are being urged to take immediate precautions after county agricultural officials announced the discovery of the invasive glassy-winged sharpshooter on grapevines distributed to Costco locations throughout California.
The alert, issued Tuesday by the El Dorado County Agriculture Department, warns anyone who purchased grapevines or other plants from Costco stores between April 21 and May 26, 2026, to contact county officials immediately for inspection and guidance.
According to the county, the glassy-winged sharpshooter — commonly referred to as GWSS — poses a serious threat to California vineyards because it spreads the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, which causes Pierce’s disease, a lethal condition in grapevines.
“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,” said LeeAnne Mila, the county’s 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.”
County officials said residents should not attempt to move, transport, return or throw away the plants. Instead, residents are instructed to contact the Agriculture Department at (530) 621-5520 or by email at eldcag@edcgov.us to arrange for pickup of grapevines or inspection of other purchased plants.
Officials specifically advised residents who purchased grapevines to place two garbage bags over the plants and secure them tightly until county personnel can safely collect them. Other plants purchased during the affected timeframe should be inspected by agricultural officials before any further handling occurs.
The warning comes as county officials continue an ongoing eradication campaign centered in El Dorado Hills, where the invasive insect was first detected in 2024. Agricultural authorities say the pest is highly mobile and capable of spreading rapidly across vineyards and residential landscapes.
In addition to threatening wine grapes, GWSS can damage numerous ornamental and agricultural plants throughout California. Officials stressed that containment efforts are critical not only for local vineyards but also for the broader agricultural economy statewide.
“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,” Mila said.
Costco members who purchased affected grapevines are expected to receive refund notifications by email, according to county officials.
The consumer alert is especially significant for residents in wine-producing areas of El Dorado County, where vineyards contribute substantially to the region’s agricultural identity and tourism economy. Pierce’s disease has historically caused major losses in California wine regions when left unchecked.
Residents seeking additional information or inspection services are encouraged to contact the El Dorado County Agriculture Department immediately.
