Grapeleaf Skeletonizer
Grapeleaf skeletonizers are important pests for the grape and wine industry. These moths can be found throughout the United States and defoliate many species in the grape family, including grapes, Virginia creeper, and other wild grape vines.
Females lay their eggs on grape leaves, and the caterpillars feed in groups. They also have urticating hairs that can cause rashes on your skin if you touch them.
Grapeleaf Skeletonizer Damage
The caterpillars hang out in clusters on the underside of leaves. They eat the leaf matter between the veins of the leaves, giving the leaves a skeleton-like look.
If the group of caterpillars is large enough, entire plants can be defoliated and developing fruit can be damaged. The defoliation can also expose fruit to the sun and cause sunburning and severe infestations can also increase the plant's susceptibility to diseases.
How to Control Grapeleaf Skeletonizers
Organic methods to control grapeleaf skeletonizers include a combination of trapping, sanitation, and spraying.
This can include:
- Pheromone Traps - Use lures in the early spring when the adults emerge and look for mates. Trapping is helpful when monitoring pest populations early in the season, setting thresholds during the season, and reducing eggs laid throughout the season.
- Sanitation - Remove any fallen leaves or plant material from the base of the vine. Infested leaves should be discarded and destroyed. Handpicking is also an option for small plantings, but do use gloves!
- Sprays - Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can treat larvae, and products like spinosad, azadirachtin, and PyGanic can help knock down adult moths.
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$275.00–$2,495.00
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$19.99–$1,297.00
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$79.99–$170.00
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$29.99–$72.50
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$41.00
