Are these pests going to kill my vine?

Usually not, but they can reduce your fruit yield and weaken the plant. Keep an eye on them and treat early.

Should I use a heavy pesticide?

Avoid harsh chemicals if possible, as they can kill the good bugs that help keep pest populations in check. Start with gentle options like neem oil.

What is eating my muscadine grape leaves? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Shake the vine gently to see if insects fly or jump out.
Look for skeletonized leaves or tiny holes.
Check the undersides of leaves for small bugs or eggs.

Likely causes

Grape Leafhoppers
Most likely
How to tell: You will see tiny white or yellow stippling on the leaves. These insects jump when you disturb the foliage.
What to do: Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat the undersides of the leaves. Apply in the early morning or evening to avoid burning the foliage.
Japanese Beetles
Possible
How to tell: These beetles skeletonize the leaves, leaving only the veins behind. They are metallic green and copper colored.
What to do: Hand pick the beetles off the vines in the morning when they are sluggish and drop them into soapy water. For heavy infestations, use a neem oil spray.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your muscadine grape

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

If the damage is limited to a few leaves, it is not a crisis. You should worry if the pests are stripping the vine of its ability to photosynthesize.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the area around the vine free of weeds and tall grass where pests hide. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs to live in your garden.

Muscadine grape: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your muscadine grape and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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

Questions people ask

Are these pests going to kill my vine?: Usually not, but they can reduce your fruit yield and weaken the plant. Keep an eye on them and treat early.
Should I use a heavy pesticide?: Avoid harsh chemicals if possible, as they can kill the good bugs that help keep pest populations in check. Start with gentle options like neem oil.

Guides to these causes

Japanese Beetles

What is eating my muscadine grape leaves?