Sap Beetles on Grapes
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Sap beetles (Family Nitidulidae) are secondary pests that are attracted to the smell of fermenting plant juices of ripe, damaged, or cracked fruits. This is a group of small flat beetles recognized by short wing covers that do not reach the tip of the abdomen. Sap beetles and their larvae feed on damaged berries and contaminate harvested clusters. Damage may appear as small holes in the bottoms of berries. Sap beetle damage often occurs after a rainy period that delayed harvest or as a contaminant in clusters of berries.
One of several species of sap beetle (adult).
(Photo: Ric Bessin, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- Harvest regularly.
- Practice sanitation (remove damaged, diseased, and overripe berries in a timely manner).
- Apply insecticides, as needed (especially during harvest).
