Sap beetle or picnic beetle

Development of the Problem -

Sap beetle adults are attracted to damaged or overripe strawberries fermenting in the field.  Adults feed on and lay their eggs in the deteriorated fruit.  The eggs hatch, and larvae develop also to feed there and in nearby overripe or damaged fruit.  Sap beetles do not normally damage a sound strawberry.  Sap beetles can be present at any tie that overripe fruits are present; however, the beetles become most numerous in warm weather and when large numbers of fruits have been abandoned in fields. 

Sap beetles are not usually economically important in fresh market strawberries.  However, when overripe fruits are harvested for processing, sap beetles may infest the fruit and render the crop unmarketable.

Control -

1. Maintain sound fruit through good disease and insect control practices and through preventing damage from birds.

2. Pick fruits before they become overripe.
3. Remove all damaged or overripe fruit from the field, particularly in warm weather.
4. Do not cease picking from portions of a field while continuing to harvest from other portions.
5. Scout fields for the presence of sap beetles or for conditions favorable for sap beetle development.
6. Be informed when neighboring strawberry fields are abandoned.
7. Apply recommended insecticides when conditions warrant.

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