Fig Eating Beetles

Question

How do I get rid of a fig eating beetle infestation? The scientific name is Cotinis mutabilis. They are ruining my harvest.

Answer 1

Trying to completely control them is futile, but there are a few organic management techniques that may help. There are a number of homemade traps, like sweet juice or molasses in a container with a cone shaped entrance (pop bottle works). It will trap and drown the beetles. Be sure to harrvest fruit early and keep fallen fruit cleaned up. For grubs, keep compost pile turned frequently and pick them out by hand when turning the pile, drop them into soapy water to drown. You can also apply Bacillus thuringiensis or milky spore to the soil to kill the grubs.