How to Control Raspberry Fruitworms

Raspberry fruitworms, also known as raspberry beetles (or raspberry fruit worms), are members of a small family of beetles known as the Butyridae.

The damage caused by these beetles can range from the occasional worm in a homegrown raspberry to major destruction of the leaves and severe infestation of the berries throughout your crop.

In addition, heavy damage to the leaves can result in a weaker plant that will produce fewer fruits.

Such tiny beetles can cause so much damage!

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The degree of infestation will dictate whether you will need to implement control measures. We will guide you through the process of monitoring these pests and deciding on the appropriate course of action.

Identification, Biology, and Distribution

There is some confusion about the name of these pesky worms that can ruin your delightful raspberries.

While many people still call them raspberry worms, some experts call them “raspberry beetles” and consider “Western raspberry fruitworm” to be an outdated name.

In the US, the scientific name of the fruitworms has changed over time. Originally, there was Butyrus rubi on the East Coast and B. bakeri on the West Coast.

However, both species as they were originally classified have now been merged into one – B. unicolor.

Its range extends from California and Arizona up through Canada to the Arctic.

Europe and Asia have their own species – B. tomentosus. It is particularly prevalent in the United Kingdom, and frequently causes major damage to raspberries, blackberries, and hybrid berries such as boysenberries, loganberries, and tayberries.

The North American species also