Strawberry clipper is a snouted weevil that often appears just as the new buds begin to show in the spring. This insect clips off the young bud just before bloom, preventing pollination and fruit set. An early application of insecticide might be needed to control this pest before injury occurs. This type of injury will result in severe fruit loss if not controlled. The sap beetle, a casual pest of many fruits and vegetables, can be a problem at harvesttime.
Sap beetles are more of a problem in fields where fruit is overripe.
They will eat large holes in the fruit and lay eggs, which will soon hatch into hungry larvae. The best control for this pest is to keep fields closely picked and remove damaged or over-ripe fruit. Reference 1997 Maryland Commercial Small Fruit Production Guide , Bulletin 242, Maryland Cooperative Extension. Thomas A. Fretz, Director of Maryland Cooperative Extension, University of Maryland. The University of Maryland is equal opportunity.