Worms in blueberries - Ask Extension
I have noticed some worms in my blueberries this year. Looking online they look something like cherry fruitworms but I'm not sure these are in Oregon...
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Worms in blueberries #877953
Asked July 19, 2024, 4:04 PM EDT
I have noticed some worms in my blueberries this year. Looking online they look something like cherry fruitworms but I'm not sure these are in Oregon. Any idea what these might be and how to control? We planted our blueberry bushes in 2006 and have never had pest problems before. Other than these worms it seems like the plants are healthy.
Linn County Oregon
Expert Response
Dear Carrie,
They could be the larva of the drosophila fruit fly which is prevalent in our area. Since I do not have any pictures to look at, I cannot tell for sure. I am adding a link on how to make traps for your blueberry bushes. This also works on fruit trees, cherries, plums, etc.
https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=ed83672d1c47c92e&rlz=1C1VDKB_enUS1030US1030&sxsrf=ADLYWIK0glXf455sApBgWVnL8b44sl6jCw:<personal data hidden>16&q=drosophila+fruit+fly+in+blueberries&source=lnms&fbs=AEQNm0Aa4sjWe7Rqy32pFwRj0UkWd8nbOJfsBGGB5IQQO6L3J03RPjGV0MznOJ6Likin94qdboLj3Q68JUA18c-jew4UmDoui5lFn9P374QhWA4J-_rh53qVc1o6ul3cBF-RF1f84l3VAPJfZKqMlDPA334Ezp4BMG_2x__Pnn9-LnBngX61PYUd1VvybCc7UiwEr7-X9JmIwuDihryXxET71_EsfhNXMA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjHpcOnpLyHAxXuODQIHfwNBnoQ0pQJegQIERAB&biw=1920&bih=863&dpr=1#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:5f32bd68,vid:JIQZoKuC8VU,st:0
This is another link on the life cycle of the drosophila fruit fly from Oregon State: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/em-9262-cultural-control-strategies-manage-spotted-wing-drosophila#:~:text=Key%20points%20in%20this%20fact,to%20find%20suitable%20pupation%20sites.
I have used the apple cider vinegar bottles with good success in the past. You should collect and trash any infected blueberries, use a zip bag so they cannot emerge.
If you have further questions, please contact us again.
They could be the larva of the drosophila fruit fly which is prevalent in our area. Since I do not have any pictures to look at, I cannot tell for sure. I am adding a link on how to make traps for your blueberry bushes. This also works on fruit trees, cherries, plums, etc.
https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=ed83672d1c47c92e&rlz=1C1VDKB_enUS1030US1030&sxsrf=ADLYWIK0glXf455sApBgWVnL8b44sl6jCw:<personal data hidden>16&q=drosophila+fruit+fly+in+blueberries&source=lnms&fbs=AEQNm0Aa4sjWe7Rqy32pFwRj0UkWd8nbOJfsBGGB5IQQO6L3J03RPjGV0MznOJ6Likin94qdboLj3Q68JUA18c-jew4UmDoui5lFn9P374QhWA4J-_rh53qVc1o6ul3cBF-RF1f84l3VAPJfZKqMlDPA334Ezp4BMG_2x__Pnn9-LnBngX61PYUd1VvybCc7UiwEr7-X9JmIwuDihryXxET71_EsfhNXMA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjHpcOnpLyHAxXuODQIHfwNBnoQ0pQJegQIERAB&biw=1920&bih=863&dpr=1#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:5f32bd68,vid:JIQZoKuC8VU,st:0
This is another link on the life cycle of the drosophila fruit fly from Oregon State: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/em-9262-cultural-control-strategies-manage-spotted-wing-drosophila#:~:text=Key%20points%20in%20this%20fact,to%20find%20suitable%20pupation%20sites.
I have used the apple cider vinegar bottles with good success in the past. You should collect and trash any infected blueberries, use a zip bag so they cannot emerge.
If you have further questions, please contact us again.
