Sasha CampbellHave you noticed large, velvet-green beetles crawling around your fig tree lately? Those are likely fig beetles, and in large numbers, they can cause damage to your fig crop.
The good news is that some natural ways to do away with these pests exist.
You can create natural repellents and traps to control figeater beetles and protect your fig trees in just a few easy steps.
Identification
Fig beetles (Cotinis mutabilis), or green fruit beetles, are common pests that feed on ripe fruit like figs, tomatoes, and pears. These big green beetles can swarm and attack your crops.
The adult beetles feed on the ripening fruit, creating small holes and eating their flesh [1]. However, fig beetle larvae (crawly backs) thrive on manure piles and mulch.
How to Get Rid of Fig Beetles Naturally
You’ll want to take action as soon as you spot signs of an infestation to avoid losing your precious crop. You have a few options to get rid of these green flying beetles organically.
1. Row Covers
Using row covers is an organic, non-toxic way to shield your harvest from damage by fig beetles.
Row covers work well to reduce fig pests, especially when combined with good sanitation. Pruning and clearing fallen fruit around plants are key steps.
2. Pick Them Off
Removing bugs from your tree by hand is one of the most effective natural control methods.
Check your tree regularly, especially in the middle of the day when the beetles are most active, and pick them off by hand.
Next, drop the critters into a bucket of soapy water to kill them. You can tap infested branches over a sheet to collect the beetles as they fall.
Disposing of the beetles will help reduce the overall population and limit damage to your tree.
3. Remove Food Sources
To help get rid of figeater beetles, you need to eliminate access to food sources that attract them.
They are drawn to overripe and damaged fruit. Therefore, regularly inspect your figs, apricots, grapes, and other susceptible crops.
Pick all ripe fruits and any that have fallen to the ground. The overripe and fermenting fruit releases a gas that signals to the beetles that food is available.
4. Natural Predators
Attracting natural predators is an eco-friendly way to control fig beetle populations.
Some options to consider include toads, birds, and rodents. Digger wasps may also go after fig beetle grubs [2].
Provide habitat for these beneficial creatures to encourage them to come around.
5. Sticky Traps
Another fig beetle control method is sticky traps. These traps effectively catch and eliminate these critters, similar to double-sided tape or glue boards.
Place several sticky traps over the top and around the host plants. The beetles will get stuck to the adhesive as they crawl over the traps.
Replace the sticky traps once they are covered with beetles and dust.
Using cardboard, glue, or petroleum jelly, you can also make DIY fig eater beetle traps. Coat one side of a cardboard square with glue or petroleum jelly and place it glue-side up in areas where you see the beetles.
The beetles will get stuck to the glue as they walk over the cardboard. Check and replace these homemade sticky traps regularly.
6. Beneficial Nematodes
Beneficial nematodes are microscopic roundworms that prey on fig beetle larvae and other soil-dwelling pests.
You can purchase these nematodes and apply them to the soil around your fruit trees. The nematodes will then hunt down the beetle grubs and parasitize them, killing them within a few days.
7. Neem Oil
Neem oil is an all-natural pesticide that can repel fig beetles, rosemary beetles, ten-lined June beetles, and other common garden pests.
When used correctly and regularly, it does a great job protecting garden crops and getting rid of damaging insects.
The oil has a strong smell, but it will fade once dry. Using neem oil is an organic way to control fig bugs in an environmentally friendly manner.
Therefore, make a homemade neem oil spray by mixing two tablespoons of pure neem oil with a gallon of water and two teaspoons of mild detergent.
Spray this solution thoroughly on your fruit and vegetable trees.
8. Diatomaceous Earth
This product is a natural powder that can help eliminate fig beetles. The powder dehydrates and kills them.
To use diatomaceous earth, dust it on the leaves and around the base of your plants. Reapply every few days after rain.
The powder is non-toxic to humans and pets, but it will dehydrate any insect (with an exoskeleton) it comes into contact with.
9. Captain Jack’s Deadbug Brew
Captain Jack’s Deadbug Brew contains Spinosad. This natural substance paralyzes the target insects’ nervous systems and causes death within 1 to 2 days.
One advantage of this natural pesticide is that it can kill these insects. However, it is unlikely to harm spiders, beneficial insects, or predatory mites.
10. Surround WP
Surround WP is an effective crop protectant on the OMRI list. It is made from kaolin clay, which has been approved for agricultural purposes.
The clay forms a barrier on fruit or vegetables to protect against pests. This white barrier is not only effective in repelling pests; it also causes confusion and irritation.
The barrier can also protect against egg-laying and feeding. Moreover, you can use kaolin clay on wine grapes, tomato plants, apple trees, and other fruit trees.
The product is highly effective against May/June beetles, apple maggots, Japanese beetles, and other pests.
Takeaway
Whether you call them fig tree beetles, mayate bugs, or western green June beetles, the key is to start before the infestation gets out of hand.
Be vigilant, take action at the first signs of damage, and reapply these natural remedies regularly to keep the beetles away for good.
With patience and persistence, you can win the battle against fig beetles using simple, eco-friendly solutions. Your fruit crops will thank you! Now go forth and conquer those beetles!
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