CAHNRS > Hortsense > Fact Sheets > Small Fruits > Raspberry > Raspberry Insects > Raspberry: Leafrollers

Raspberry: Leafrollers

categories: Raspberry Raspberry Insects Small Fruits

revision date: 2023-04-12 12:00

Leafroller caterpillar, green with shiny black head on top side of leaf.
Leafroller caterpillar, green with shiny black head
Photo by: S.M. Fitzpatrick and J.T. Troubridge

Biology

Several species of leafrollers can occur on raspberries and related plants. The caterpillars are typically light to dark green with light or dark heads, and are about 3⁄4″ long at maturity. Typical symptoms of leafroller feeding include damaged buds and leaves that are rolled and tied with webbing. Leafrollers may also feed on ripe fruit. The larvae typically produce large amounts of webbing on the plants. Leafroller caterpillars are often active when disturbed, wiggling vigorously or dropping to the ground on a thread. The larvae often overwinter in webbed leaves or crevices on canes. The adult moths are 1⁄2″ to 3⁄4″ long and are brown or mottled tan and rusty brown. Some species have darker bands across the wings. Plants easily tolerate some damage from leafrollers, which are seldom serious pests. Leafrollers may be contaminants of harvested fruit.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

  • Pick out and destroy rolled leaves and caterpillars, when practical.
  • Pinch rolled leaves to kill caterpillars.
  • Clean up leaf debris on and under plants.
  • Provide proper culture. Proper pruning and training of canes can reduce leafroller populations. For more information, see EB103E, Growing Small Fruits for the Home Garden.
  • Encourage natural enemies of caterpillars including birds, parasitic wasps and flies, and predacious beetles. Avoid use of broad-spectrum insecticides which kill beneficial insects.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

  • Use a spreader-sticker with liquid Bt formulations.
  • Apply before blossoms open.

Approved Pesticides

Listed below are examples of pesticides that are legal in Washington. Always read and follow all label directions.

  • Bonide Captain Jack's Deadbug Brew R-T-U [Organic]
    Active ingredient: spinosad (spinosyn A+D) [EPA registration number: 4-472]
  • Bonide Thuricide BT Concentrate
    Active ingredient: Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki [EPA registration number: 4-226]
  • This list may not include all products registered for this use.

Additional Images