Strawberries - Ask Extension
I have worms in some of my strawberries when they reach ripe age-I read about a fruit fly that puts eggs in the berries. we had heavy rain in the fir...
Knowledgebase
Strawberries #879048
Asked July 27, 2024, 5:57 PM EDT
I have worms in some of my strawberries when they reach ripe age-I read about a fruit fly that puts eggs in the berries. we had heavy rain in the first batch and they got molded I picked them off but am still having worm issues is there a powder or spray I can put on them the second crop is starting and I want to save them
Lane County Oregon
Expert Response
It is likely the Spotted wing Drosophila (SWD). Most fruit flies attack overripe or rotting fruit, but the SWD will also infest healthy fruit as it is ripening. There are several products registered for home use, including spinosad, pyrethrin, or bifenthrin. Pyrethrin and bifenthrin are highly toxic to bees, and spinosad is moderately toxic, so if spraying blooming plants, then spray late evening when the bees aren't actively foraging flowers. Furthermore, there are concerns about fruit flies developing resistance to chemicals, so rotate the chemicals you use if possible. When using pesticides, always read and follow all label directions.
Non-chemical control options include harvesting fruit frequently to remove ripe or overripe fruit, and remove infested or fallen fruit from the garden. Next year, consider placing a fine mesh
netting (less than 1 mm) over the plants to exclude the flies from laying eggs. For more information, refer to: https://hortsense.cahnrs.wsu.edu/fact-sheet/strawberry-spotted-wing-drosophila-swd/
Non-chemical control options include harvesting fruit frequently to remove ripe or overripe fruit, and remove infested or fallen fruit from the garden. Next year, consider placing a fine mesh
netting (less than 1 mm) over the plants to exclude the flies from laying eggs. For more information, refer to: https://hortsense.cahnrs.wsu.edu/fact-sheet/strawberry-spotted-wing-drosophila-swd/
