Consumer Alert: Invasive Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter Detected on Grapevines Sold at Bay Area Costco Stores

REDWOOD CITY - Local agricultural officials are urging residents to take immediate precautions after the invasive glassy-winged sharpshooter was detected on grape plants sold at Bay Area Costco stores.

The insect 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.

Anyone who purchased grape plants from Bay Area Costco stores beginning April 21 is asked to help prevent further spread of the pest by taking the following actions:

• If possible, place two garbage bags over the plant and secure them tightly.
• Contact your local County Agricultural Commissioner's office. For San Mateo County residents, contact Department of Agriculture at 650-363-4700 to schedule an inspection.

Residents should not return, transport or relocate the plant, or place it in the trash or compost bin.

"Now that the glassy-winged sharpshooter has been confirmed on these plants, preventing further spread is critical," said Koren Widdel, San Mateo County's Agricultural Commissioner. "We are working closely with Costco and our state and regional agricultural partners to identify affected plants and protect local agriculture and home gardens."

Costco is directly contacting members who purchased plants within the timeframe and has been a cooperative partner with all County Ag Commissioners.

Officials emphasized that these are grape plants intended for planting in home gardens and landscaping, not grapes sold for consumption.

Native to the southeastern United States and Mexico, the glassy-winged sharpshooter was first detected in California in the 1990s and has since become a serious agricultural pest.

Early detection is critical because infestations can often be eradicated before they spread more widely.

Residents who believe they have seen a glassy-winged sharpshooter in their yard should collect the insect and compare it to the photographs at the California Department of Food and Agriculture website.

If you believe you have seen or caught a glassy-winged sharpshooter, call the San Mateo County Department of Agriculture at 650-363-4700. Learn more about insect on the
department's website.

Koren Widdel
Agricultural Commissioner
650-363-4700
[email protected]