Tiny worms eating grape leaves - Ask Extension
Can you id these tiny worms eating our grape leaves, and tell us what we can spray to kill them? Would like a less harmful to other critters spray if...
Knowledgebase
Tiny worms eating grape leaves #562407
Asked May 18, 2019, 1:04 PM EDT
Can you id these tiny worms eating our grape leaves, and tell us what we can spray to kill them? Would like a less harmful to other critters spray if possible, but they are so voracious I’d use anything if it was the only option.
Thanks!
Frederick County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi- these are grape flea beetle larvae. Th adults come our of hibernation near your grapevines and feed on buds which can greatly reduce flowering and fruiting. The larvae feed on buds and tender leaf tissue. The adults ar considered more damaging.
Description:
https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/grape-insects#prevention
The first insecticide spray is done at bud swell (before new shoots emerge). Sevin (carbaryl) is recommended. You could use carbaryl now to clean them up. Organic insecticides may be effective if you can spray the larvae directly- neem oil, pyrethrins + oil, horticultural oil.
Please see the VA Tech home fruit spray schedule (3-18 and 3-19):
https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/456/456-018/ENTO-289C.pdf
Jon
Description:
https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/grape-insects#prevention
The first insecticide spray is done at bud swell (before new shoots emerge). Sevin (carbaryl) is recommended. You could use carbaryl now to clean them up. Organic insecticides may be effective if you can spray the larvae directly- neem oil, pyrethrins + oil, horticultural oil.
Please see the VA Tech home fruit spray schedule (3-18 and 3-19):
https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/456/456-018/ENTO-289C.pdf
Jon
Thank you so much!
You're welcome.
