Coffee Berry Borer
The Coffee Berry Borer is a small beetle native to Africa. It is one of the most damaging pests to coffee plants worldwide.
This insect is found all over the world and is common in most coffee-producing countries. The tiny beetle, measuring only about 1.5-2mm, causes damage by boring holes into coffee cherries, whether green or ripe, to lay its eggs. It is one of the most harmful pests to commercial coffee plantations and can attack 50-100% of coffee cherries on a farm if control measures are not implemented.
The larvae have spread to most coffee-producing countries, causing an estimated economic loss of up to $500 million per year. However, some farmers and communities have successfully controlled this pest through sustainable farming practices and biological control.