Crops Affected: Grapes. May also feed on fig, date palm, apple, avocado, citrus, and a few ornamentals.

States Affected: CA

Life Cycle: Vine mealybug is present year round on grape vines. In cooler regions, nymphs overwinter under the bark at the graft union and at the base of spurs. In areas with warmer winters, all life stages overwinter under the bark, in buds, and on roots. In spring, mealybugs populate all parts of the vine. Female is wingless and may be carried by ants to new feeding locations. Sexually dimorphic male will fly to find mates. There are three to seven generations a year.

Damage: Mealybugs may be found in the bunches, making the grapes unfit for consumption. Honeydew deposits on the bunches and other parts of the vine provide an ideal substrate for black sooty mold. The mealybug can also transmit grapevine leafroll-associated viruses.

Season to Trap: Year round

How To Use: Hang trap with lure inside at shoulder height near at risk or affected crops. Replace lures every 30 days through the season, and replace traps when 70% saturated. Adult males are attracted to the pheromones in the lure and the color of the traps in this kit. Once they land on the sticky trap, they become ensnared, never to mate or lay eggs again.

This is an invasive species that is being closely monitored by the department of agriculture. If you find mealybugs in your vineyard, collect the largest mealybugs you can find and place them in a jar of alcohol or sealed plastic bag. Take the sample to either your University Extension advisor or county Agricultural Commissioner for positive identification.

Additional IPM Solutions: Mealybugs can be carried by humans, equipment, or present on vines at planting. Do not spread infested cluster stems or pomace in the vineyard. Sanitize pomace by covering all pomace piles with clear plastic for several weeks and do not create piles that are predominantly stems. Horticultural oil may be used as a dormant spray. Apply sticky plant wraps or pastes in early spring to prevent movement. Control ant populations. Avoid practices that destroy or disrupt native beneficial insects.