The county agricultural commission is urging Redding Costco customers to take action after an invasive species was identified on products shipped to Costco stores across the state.
A press release from the county stated that invasive glassy-winged sharpshooters were found on grapevines and citrus plants sold at California Costcos. Those who purchased a grapevine or citrus plant from Costco since April 21, 2026 are urged to do the following:
The press release specifies that the warning does not extend to those who purchased grapes or citrus fruit from Costco.
“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, in the press release. “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.”
Ingram told the Record Searchlight that the specific grape product harboring the glassy-winged sharpshooters was the “Autumn Royal” grapevine from Burchell Nurseries. Ingram said the source of the possibly contaminated citrus plants has not yet been identified, but confirmed they were on the same shipment as the Burchell Nurseries grapevines.
A representative from the Redding Costco told the Record Searchlight that the store is no longer selling the at-risk plants, and all members who purchased the grapevines and citrus plants in question have been notified.
The press release specifies not to “return, transport, relocate, share, or give away plants, and do not place plants in trash bins or compost containers.”
To schedule a pickup of grapevines or an inspection of citrus plants, call the agricultural department at (530) 224-4949 or email the department at shastaag@shastacounty.gov.
If you live in a county surrounding Shasta, it is also acceptable to contact your county’s department of agriculture.
Drew Askeland covers Redding and Shasta County government issues, as well as anything else that needs reporting for the Record Searchlight and USA Today Network. Reach him at drew.askeland@redding.com or (530) 225-8247. Please subscribe today to support our newsroom’s commitment to public service journalism.
This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Invasive bugs found on Costco plants in Redding
Reporting by Drew Askeland, Redding Record Searchlight / Redding Record Searchlight
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