Costco Desert Willow Bug Alert | Bakersfield News

Costco’s got a bug problem — and it’s serious. They’re warning customers who bought desert willow trees from certain California stores between June 24 and July 3, as these plants may carry the glassy-winged sharpshooter, a pest that’s deadly to grapevines and threatens California’s $73 billion wine industry. This isn’t the first time — similar infestations were found in other Costco locations earlier this year, sparking a major containment effort. The insect spreads a fatal disease to grapevines and other crops, with past outbreaks wiping out hundreds of acres. If you bought one of these trees, don’t compost or discard it — keep it in its original pot, double-bag it, and contact your county agricultural commissioner immediately. Stopping this invasive bug is critical to protecting California’s agriculture. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/84c7f414fd614707