Grape white fly - Ask Extension
Can you recommend the best way to control the tiny white (or light brown) flies/moths that are all over my grapes?I do not know the species of my gra...
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Grape white fly #129067
Asked May 22, 2013, 1:27 PM EDT
Can you recommend the best way to control the tiny white (or light brown) flies/moths that are all over my grapes?
I do not know the species of my grape, but it is a mold-resistant, thin-skinned, seedless, strong-flavored purple grape that has recently been overrun with very many tiny white flies.
They do not seem to cause serious damage to the plant, but they do damage the leaves somewhat. Most of all, they are a terrible nuisance when they fly up in clouds every time people walk by. Last year it got so bad we had to wear masks when picking the grapes to avoid breathing in the flies.
If possible I'd like to end or control the infestation early enough in the season that I don't have to worry about pesticides on the fruit near harvest time.
I have attached a picture of these flies as well as one of a slightly damaged leaf.
I do not know the species of my grape, but it is a mold-resistant, thin-skinned, seedless, strong-flavored purple grape that has recently been overrun with very many tiny white flies.
They do not seem to cause serious damage to the plant, but they do damage the leaves somewhat. Most of all, they are a terrible nuisance when they fly up in clouds every time people walk by. Last year it got so bad we had to wear masks when picking the grapes to avoid breathing in the flies.
If possible I'd like to end or control the infestation early enough in the season that I don't have to worry about pesticides on the fruit near harvest time.
I have attached a picture of these flies as well as one of a slightly damaged leaf.
Utah County Utah
Expert Response
Hi: Great pictures, thanks! That is actually called grape leafhopper. The insects hop more than they fly. But yes, the are a great nuisance more than they are a damage to the plant. Young leafhoppers don't fly around as much, but the adults do. What you have are adults, and that makes it more difficult to control, because they are so mobile, and a little more resistant to insecticides.
These adults will lay eggs, and there will be a second cycle of leafhoppers in about a month. It would almost be better to wait and treat the young nymphs of that second generation. You would have to watch the undersides of the leaves for small white leafhoppers that don't move around as much.
Anyway, whether you decide to treat now and/or wait for the second generation, your best bet is probably going to be Ortho Fruit and Vegetable insect control, which contains the ingredient acetamiprid, and can be found at the box stores.
These adults will lay eggs, and there will be a second cycle of leafhoppers in about a month. It would almost be better to wait and treat the young nymphs of that second generation. You would have to watch the undersides of the leaves for small white leafhoppers that don't move around as much.
Anyway, whether you decide to treat now and/or wait for the second generation, your best bet is probably going to be Ortho Fruit and Vegetable insect control, which contains the ingredient acetamiprid, and can be found at the box stores.
