Costco is warning customers who recently purchased a certain variety of plant that they may have unknowingly brought home an invasive insect capable of spreading a disease that can damage or even kill some other plants and trees.
The warehouse giant issued a notice last week that desert willow plants sold between June 24 and July 3, 2026, may have been infested with the glassy-winged sharpshooter.
“This invasive insect pest can spread harmful plant diseases, including Pierce’s disease, which can kill grapevines,” the notice said. “The pest can also damage citrus trees, landscape plants and other crops. Early detection and rapid response are critical to preventing the pest from spreading further.”
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Pierce’s disease is a bacterial infection that has long threatened California vineyards.
According to a 2025 report prepared for the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the disease costs the state’s grape and wine industry about $110 million annually, and officials estimate those losses could climb by another $56 million per year if the invasive pest becomes established statewide.
Researchers say the glassy-winged sharpshooter is particularly difficult to contain because it can fly a quarter mile or more without stopping, allowing it to spread the disease between host plants.
Rather than returning the plants to a Costco warehouse, customers are being instructed to keep them in their original containers, isolate them from other plants and contact their local county agricultural commissioner’s office.
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Agricultural inspectors may examine the plant and nearby vegetation, and if the pest is found, officials will remove and dispose of the plant.
Costco also advised customers not to plant the desert willow if they have not already done so, not to transport or relocate it, and not to throw it away or place it in a compost bin. If possible, the company recommends sealing the plant inside two trash bags until inspectors can evaluate it.
Although customers are being told not to bring the plants back to Costco, the retailer said it will provide a full refund to affected shoppers who present the notification letter at their local warehouse.
The company apologized for the inconvenience, saying customers’ cooperation is critical to helping protect California agriculture from the spread of the invasive pest.
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