Most insecticides can kill the grape flea beetle at their larval or adult stages. Formulations containing cyfluthrin, bifenthrin, fenpropathrin, phosmet and cyfluthrin are moderately effective. The most effective option is carbaryl, a medium-to-highly toxic insecticide that not only kills the grape flea beetle, but also beneficial insects, such as bees. Less toxic insecticides, such as rotenone and pyrethrin, will kill the grape flea beetle without harming other species.
"Microcotonus vittage" is a parasitic wasp, also native to North America. Females have a long ovipositor, which they use to lay their eggs inside the body of the grape flea beetle. The wasp introduces its ovipositor in the posterior part of the beetle, in a membranous and less-protected area. The beetle dies as a result of the eggs' development. When the eggs hatch, the wasp's larvae feed on the beetle's carcass.
Some species of nematodes or roundworms can also kill the grape flea beetle when it is in its larval stage. Often found in the soil, nematodes parasitize the larvae, thus preventing the appearance of new adults. Nematodes are also used in biological control of the beetle as part of commercial formulations applied to the soil.
Animals that feed on the grape flea beetle, both in its larval and adult stages, include amphibians, birds and many invertebrates, including large spider species. Frogs and toads, as well as small birds such as vireos, chickadees and purple finches, have the grape flea beetle as part of their diet. Beetles of the genus "Lebia" feed on eggs, larvae and pupa of the grape flea beetle.