There are small, black beetles feeding on my raspberries. What can I do?

Question:

There are small, black beetles feeding on my raspberries. What can I do?

Answer:

The small, black beetles are likely sap beetles.  They are also known as picnic beetles or picnic bugs.  Sap beetles commonly feed on over-ripe or damaged fruits and vegetables in the garden.  

 

Sanitation is the best management strategy for sap beetles in home gardens.  Keep the raspberry planting as clean as possible through prompt harvesting of ripe fruit and the removal of damaged, diseased, and over-ripe fruit from the site.  

Insecticides are not very effective and difficult to use because of preharvest waiting periods.  If you decide to spray, use an insecticide with a short preharvest waiting period and read and carefully follow label directions.  
 

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Photo credit: D. Foulk, University of Minnesota Extension