Scanmask Spray
Kills the widest range of pests. Our pick for several pests at once or for preventing them.
From $37.99
Raspberry Crown Borer
Pennisetia marginata
Wasp-like moths whose caterpillars tunnel into the crowns of raspberries and blackberries, making canes wilt and break.
How to control raspberry crown borer
- Use
- Scanmask Spray (also works: Ecomask Spray, Scanmask Topdressing, Ecomask Topdressing)
- When
- March to September.
- Where
- The soil at the crowns and the base of the canes, drenched.
What it looks like
Adult raspberry crown borers are clearwing moths that look like yellowjackets, with a black body banded in yellow. The caterpillars are white with a brown head.
The life cycle takes two years. Young caterpillars spend their first winter near the base of the canes, then tunnel into the crown in spring and feed there into the second year.
Damage
The caterpillars tunnel through the crown and girdle the canes. Infested canes wilt, often droop into a "shepherd's hook," swell at the base, and break off easily.
How nematodes help
The beneficial nematodes in BioLogic's products hunt caterpillars at the base of the canes and in the crown. Because the life cycle takes two years, treating several years in a row may be needed.
How to apply
Treat with Scanmask from March to September. Ecomask also works.
Drench the soil at the crowns and the base of the canes.
See How to apply for step-by-step directions, or use the calculator on the Scanmask Spray page to see how much you need.
Recommended products
Ecomask Spray
Our recommended nematode for fleas, and a hardy choice for hot, dry climates.
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
Ecomask Topdressing
Ecomask, our flea nematode, in a granular form you mix with peat moss or potting soil and spread by hand.
$59.99