Can I eat fruit with larvae inside?

Most people prefer not to, but they are not harmful if accidentally consumed. You can soak the berries in salt water for 10 minutes to draw them out.

Should I use pesticides?

Avoid harsh chemicals, especially when the plant is flowering, to protect bees. Stick to manual removal or organic insecticidal soaps.

Why are there bugs on my blackberry plant? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of leaves for orange powder.
Check the center of open flowers for small beetles.
Look for holes or damage on the developing fruit.

Likely causes

Raspberry beetle
Most likely
How to tell: You will see small beetles on the flowers or tiny larvae inside the ripening fruit. This is the most common pest for blackberries.
What to do: Pick the beetles off by hand in the early morning when they are sluggish. You can also place a white sheet under the canes and shake them to catch the beetles.
Rust
Most likely
How to tell: Look for orange or yellow powdery spots on the undersides of your leaves. This fungal infection spreads quickly in damp conditions.
What to do: Prune away and destroy any infected canes immediately to stop the spread. Improve air circulation by thinning out crowded canes.

Find out what's wrong with your blackberry

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Worry if you see fruit becoming deformed or if the leaves are turning yellow and dropping rapidly. A few beetles are normal, but a full infestation requires action.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the area around your plants free of weeds and debris to reduce hiding spots for pests. Prune your canes every winter to ensure good airflow.

Keep your blackberry healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I eat fruit with larvae inside?: Most people prefer not to, but they are not harmful if accidentally consumed. You can soak the berries in salt water for 10 minutes to draw them out.
Should I use pesticides?: Avoid harsh chemicals, especially when the plant is flowering, to protect bees. Stick to manual removal or organic insecticidal soaps.

Why are there bugs on my blackberry plant?