Insect

Vine Borer

A clearwing moth whose larvae bore into the base of grape vines and other woody plants, girdling stems and causing sudden wilting or complete cane death.

Symptoms to Look For

Entry holes at or just below the soil line on vine canes with sawdust frass
Sudden wilting and collapse of individual canes during the growing season
Larvae found inside hollowed stems when canes are cut open

Affected Plants

GrapeRaspberryCurrant

Organic Solutions

Manual removal

Probe entry holes with a thin wire to kill larvae, or slit the stem and remove them by hand, then bind the stem back together.

Beneficial nematodes

Inject Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes in water into entry holes to target larvae inside the stem.

Prevention

Wrap the lower 30 cm of canes in fine mesh or foil during peak adult flight in early summer
Check cane bases carefully each spring for entry holes before the growing season starts

Garden, by Willowbottom recommends only organic, wildlife-friendly solutions. No synthetic pesticides, no harmful chemicals - ever.