Heteromask Spray
Our recommended nematode for white grubs, including Japanese beetle and European chafer grubs.
From $37.99
Grape Root Borer
Vitacea polistiformis
Clearwing moths whose caterpillars tunnel into grapevine roots for about two years, weakening and sometimes killing the vines.
How to control grape root borer
- Use
- Heteromask Spray (also works: Scanmask Spray, Scanmask Topdressing)
- When
- Anytime the pests are active.
- Where
- The soil at the base of the vines, drenched with a sprayer.
What it looks like
Grape root borer adults are clearwing moths that look like wasps. The caterpillars are cream-colored with a brown head, and they live underground in the roots.
The caterpillars feed inside the large roots and crown for about two years before coming up to the soil surface to become moths. In Georgia, adults come out in late June or early July.
Damage
The caterpillars tunnel into the large roots and crown of grapevines. Infested vines grow poorly and set less fruit, and heavy infestations can girdle and kill them. Because the damage is underground, it's often missed.
How nematodes help
Heteromask nematodes travel through the soil and can reach caterpillars that are already inside the roots. University of Georgia Extension names it as a control that may work as well as the old insecticide, which is no longer made.
How to apply
Treat with Heteromask anytime the pests are active. Scanmask also works. Keep the soil moist, and treat every year.
Drench the soil at the base of the vines with a sprayer.
See How to apply for step-by-step directions, or use the calculator on the Heteromask Spray page to see how much you need.
Recommended products
Scanmask Spray
Kills the widest range of pests. Our pick for several pests at once or for preventing them.
From $37.99
Scanmask Topdressing
The same Scanmask we've sold since 1985, mixed with peat moss or potting soil and spread by hand. Keeps up to a year in the fridge.
From $42.99