What Insects and Animals Are Enemies of Grapevines?

Flying Insects

• Grape berry moths, whiteflies, Japanese beetles and leafhoppers -- these four flying insects can be hard on grapes. Berry moths eat holes in the grapes and the leave them webbed together. Pick and destroy infected grapes and remove cocoons you find rolled up in the leaves. "Rodale’s Garden Answers” recommends removing all fallen leaves in the fall to control overwintering pupae. Whiteflies leave a sticky coating on the grapes, which can invite black mold. The coating can be washed off, but to reduce the number of whiteflies natural biodegradable soap, mixed at a rate of 1 cap per 1 quart of water, may be sprayed on the plant. Japanese beetles eat leaves, leaving behind only a network of veins. Picking them off or using parasitic nematodes are natural solutions. Leafhoppers cause pale green stipples along the leaves’ veins. The leaves eventually lose color and dry up. Beneficial insects usually work well for these pests.

Nonflying Insects

• Mealybugs and root borers can both harm grapevines. Mealybugs are white, wingless insects that can be found on the leaves and stems. Like whiteflies, they leave behind a sticky coating that can encourage sooty mold. Releasing natural parasites and predators can effectively control them. Grape root borers are a particular problem for muscadine grapes. They bore into the vine at its base where they make their way to the roots. Keeping the weeds away is the best defense.

Birds

• Any bird that will eat berries will also potentially feed on your grapes. Holes in the grapes usually means birds are eating them. Dealing with birds requires special care. Draping a net over your vines is one way to curb the damage. Another way is to enclose each cluster of grapes in a paper bag. “Rodale’s Garden Answers” recommends cutting a small hole in the bottom corner of the bag so water can escape and stapling the top tightly around the stem.

Mammals

• Deer, opossums, squirrels and raccoons all eat grapes. University of Florida IFAS Extension says coyotes may also eat grapes. Any of these animals can cause extensive damage if you have only one or two grapevines. The best way to prevent animal problems is to plant your vineyard away from wildlife habitats.