Deformed pears - Ask Extension
Both our Asian pear and an unknown variety of European pear best heavily but for the last few years the fruit is dimpled and distorted with hard spots...
Knowledgebase
Deformed pears #926884
Asked March 27, 2026, 10:32 AM EDT
Both our Asian pear and an unknown variety of European pear best heavily but for the last few years the fruit is dimpled and distorted with hard spots and brown, mushy rotten spots. We’ve been told it’s brown marmorated stink bug damage. What can we do to prevent it happening again this year? Is there anything we can treat the trees systemically with to kill pests that won’t poison the fruit?
Clackamas County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Marie and yes, we both know the problems of BMSB in our pears! At the last Clackamas Chapter meeting there was a suggestion that pheromone traps may be the answer. The speaker was from Alpha Scents in Canby. He has a dual pheromone trap specific to BMSB which you hang out in late July through October. I'm thinking of trying it this year, as we had such a mild winter I'm sure not much got killed off!
The phone number is<personal data hidden> or his catalog is online at <personal data hidden>. He says people are welcome to come by the store as well, 360 S. Sequoia Parkway, Canby.
At this time, there is nothing systemic to treat the trees.
Good luck!
The phone number is<personal data hidden> or his catalog is online at <personal data hidden>. He says people are welcome to come by the store as well, 360 S. Sequoia Parkway, Canby.
At this time, there is nothing systemic to treat the trees.
Good luck!
