How can I deal with the beetles eating my grapevine?

Question

My mother is in a furor because the grapevine that she planted last spring and which flourished last year is now infested with little black bugs. From what I can tell, they seem to be flea beetles. (Are those thousands of tiny black spots they have left everywhere feces or eggs?)

I’ve read conflicting information about them being a problem, not being a problem, even being beneficial. She is sure that the level of damage they are doing is certainly harmful since they have already pretty much destroyed most of the few leaves that have managed to bloom so far this year.

The vine is not on the ground; it grows up around the porch (she intends it to be used as a sort of privacy hedge when it thickens), so some pest-management techniques like row-covers or growing repellent companion plants around it likely will not work (also, there are already lots of birds that frequent the area all day and they don’t seem to help).

Can anybody advise on how harmful they are and of a way to deal with them? (Preferably something not involving pesticides since they are poison, cost money, and would require searching town for a supply.)

Figure 1: Vine configuration

Figure 2: Leaf damage

Figure 3: Army of beetles

Answer 1

In "The Organic Gardener's Handbook of Natural Disease and Pest Control", p. 265 talks about Flea Beetles. The adults chew holes in the leaves, the larvae feed on the roots.

They suggest:

• using garlic spray or kaolin clay to repel the beetles
• use parasitic nematodes on the roots to control larvae
• as a last resort, use Beauveria bassiana or spinosad; you may need to repeat treatment

They note that problems are worse during drought; watering may help.

It's worth noting that spinosad, pyrethrin, and diatomaceous earth are broad-spectrum insecticides: they will likely kill your flea beetles, but they also kill beneficials like honeybees.

Answer 2

I found these suggestions for commercial grape growers here which confirms @Grady Player suggestion.

They do note that

...treatment with a broad-spectrum insecticide is effective against adults migrating to grapevines from their hibernation sites, but timing is very critical.

At the time larvae and beetles are feeding on the upper surface of grape leaves, they are easily controlled by spraying.

I do not recommend soap to control beetles as they have tough shells. A more effective alternative is spraying with a pyrethrin compound or dusting with a diatomaceous earth.

Cleaning up the area by removing old leaves and branches and working over the soil nearby in the spring to expose overwintering adults is another possible control.

I cannot find any agreement on planting marigolds to deter beetles. Some say yes, many say no.

Answer 3

You are correct, they are flea beetles. The black spots are feces, not eggs. The larvae grow on plant roots in the soil. The adults eat a wide variety of plant foliage. They can be an evil pest, and severely stunt plants. However, I've taken care of them in my property and haven't had an issue for years. Here are some tips on control, leaving out covers, as per the question:

• Stressed plants are the most attractive to flea beetles. Improving conditions has been shown to drastically lower attack.

• Organic fertilizer usually as micro-nutrients and makes the plants more pest resistant as compared with conventional fertilizer.

• Chinese southern giant mustard is very attractive to flea beetles, and is often planted near affected plants to draw them off.

• Sticky traps (white or yellow) trap quite a few, but should be used along with another control method.

• Adult beetles overwinter in the litter/plant growth on the soil, under the host plants. ploughing and rototilling has been used successfully, but may not be a good idea under grape vines.

• Microcotonus vittage is a braconid wasp that controls adult beetles.

• Neem oil is what I personally use.

• Rotenone is another natural control.

• Pyrethrin is a common and effective natural insecticide that I've used in the past.

• Kaolin clay controls beetles, but may stick on the fruit.

• Diatomaceous earth can be effective.

• Herbicidal soaps are effective, but also kill all the beneficials.

• Garlic oil is a good deterrent.

Answer 4

Oh, not good, I am not really an expert on pests, but I would try neem oil, works on all manor of pests... Oh yeah, btw it doesn't smell very good.

Answer 5

I had a very similar problem with beetles 5 years ago with my grape vine. I eventually cut it down because the Japanese beetles would eat every last leaf and it was ugly. Anyhow shortly after I cut it down I noticed that I had them in my organic vegetable garden.

I decided to try a product called Milky Spore. It worked! It's only one application for life. It is definitely something you should look into. It is very safe to use in my organic garden. I now have grapes growing beautifully and the leaves are all in tact! Japanese beetles are different but Milky Spore I believe is for all beetles. It comes in a can as a powder and you have to apply it in a grid-like pattern anywhere you have beetle problems.

I really don't think I would have a garden at all if it weren't for Milky Spore. It was about $40 for one can and I ordered it online. It was more than enough. I shared it with my neighbors who also had the beetles, and other friends. Goes a long way. Good luck with your vines!