HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.26.26 For Immediate Release - Butte County Ag Commissioner Urges Residents to Take Action After Invasive Pest Found on Plant ShipmentsFrom:Olio, Kristi
To:BOS
Cc:Quist, Katharine; Ahluwalia, KV
Subject:For Immediate Release - Butte County Ag Commissioner Urges Residents to Take Action After Invasive Pest
Found on Plant Shipments
Date:Tuesday, May 26, 2026 4:35:22 PM
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Good afternoon, Members of the Board -
The following press release will be issued to the media shortly. Please reach out with anyquestions.
Kind regards,Kristi----
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMay 26, 2026 CONTACTKatharine QuistButte County Agricultural Commissioner530.552.4100Kquist@buttecounty.ca.gov
BUTTE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL COMMISSIONER URGES RESIDENTS TO TAKEACTION AFTER INVASIVE PEST FOUND ON PLANT SHIPMENTS
BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. — The Butte County Agricultural Commissioner is advisingresidents to take immediate precautions after the invasive glassy-winged sharpshooter wasdetected on plant shipments delivered to Costco stores in California.
The glassy-winged sharpshooter threatens California agriculture by spreading Pierce’sdisease, which can cause widespread crop loss and economic damage, and can also harmplants in residential landscapes, raising concerns about personal and community planthealth.
The Butte County Department of Agriculture has maintained successful pest exclusion anddetection programs for decades, and the public's cooperation is vital in safeguarding ourcommunity and local environment from invasive species.
Residents who have purchased grapevines or citrus plants from any Costco storesince April 21, 2026, are asked to follow these important instructions to helpprevent the spread of the pest:
For grapevines: Place two garbage bags over the plants, secure them tightly,and contact the Butte County Agriculture Department to arrange pick up.For citrus plants: Contact the Butte County Agriculture Department to
Do not attempt to return, transport, or relocate plants.Do not place plants in the trash or compost bin.
Residents can contact the Butte County Agriculture Department at 530.552.4100 or viaemail at ButteAg@buttecounty.ca.gov to report pest sightings, schedule inspections, orreceive guidance on prevention measures, ensuring quick and effective response.
Glassy-winged sharpshooter on a leaf. Picture from Regents of the University of California.Glassy-winged sharpshooter adults are approximately ½ inch in length.
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Kristi OlioCommunications/Public Information Officer Butte County Administration25 County Center Drive, Suite 200 • Oroville, CA 95965T: 530.552.3352 | M: 530.280.6820 www.buttecounty.net | kolio@buttecounty.ca.gov