Costco Warns Customers of Invasive Insect Risk in Desert Willow Plants
Costco has issued an important notice for customers who purchased specific desert willow plants between June 24 and July 3, 2026. The company is cautioning that these plants may be infested with the glassy-winged sharpshooter, an invasive insect known to spread harmful plant diseases.
The glassy-winged sharpshooter can transmit Pierce’s disease, a bacterial infection that poses a serious threat to grapevines and other crops, including citrus trees and ornamental plants. This invasive species presents a growing challenge to agricultural health, as it can travel up to a quarter mile, facilitating rapid disease spread across landscapes.
Pierce’s disease has long been recognized as a significant problem for California’s grape and wine industries, which suffer approximately $110 million in losses each year due to the disease. Without intervention, these losses could increase by almost $56 million annually if the pest becomes widespread in the state.
Costco advises affected customers to refrain from planting the desert willow, moving the plant to a new location, or disposing of it in compost bins. Instead, customers are instructed to isolate the plants in their original containers and avoid transporting them. The company recommends sealing the plant in two layers of trash bags until local agricultural authorities can assess the situation.
Costco has also announced that it will offer a full refund to customers who present the notice at their local warehouse. The company has apologized for any inconvenience caused, emphasizing the importance of customer cooperation in controlling the spread of this destructive pest and safeguarding California’s plant life.
