SWD in my home garden - Ask Extension
We have a SWD invasion. I would appreciate advice on saving my crop as well as prevention for the future. They destroyed my blueberry crop. I had used...
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SWD in my home garden #940894
Asked July 29, 2026, 11:38 AM EDT
We have a SWD invasion. I would appreciate advice on saving my crop as well as prevention for the future. They destroyed my blueberry crop. I had used organza bags on my figs to keep the birds and squirrels off so most of the figs were saved. I’ve done the same on my Luisa plums but started too late and our first big harvest is a total loss. I have fall gold raspberries on the way and heirloom tomatoes at risk as well. Heart breaking for sure. Next door neighbors have full size fig trees and raspberries that are left to rot so there are plenty of host plants around. Unsure if my kiwis will be impacted. We already removed our ever bearing strawberries. How can I combat this bug? How can I plan for it for next season? I’ve selected plants with extended harvest season and grow organically so we are sitting ducks. Would blueberries ripen under mosquito netting? Please advise! Thank you.
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Ellen and thanks for your question about SWD. It's a heartbreaker, as those of us who gardened before the invasion know well. There are a couple of things you can do to culturally manage the infestations. On the following website, scroll down to the "Take Action" section 3 and you will get a list of some ways to help your crops.
https://solvepestproblems.oregonstate.edu/plant-problems/spotted-wing-drosophila
On my farm, we have blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and grapes. We make sure to pick every day when the fruit is ripe and carry a "bad berry" bucket to toss in the soft or obviously affected ones. We feed them to our chickens, but they can be boiled and composted or put in the trash.
We also pick up all dropped fruit, as it is often infested and can start the cycle for the next year. And we harvest early and use drip irrigation only. We tried using traps, but they did not lower the population level. This year we used pheromone traps in the blueberries and it did seem to help. Alpha Scents, Inc. is a local company in Canby or you can order them online. They are not cheap.
I hope this gives you some ideas and you can get a handle on our devastating berry invaders. It is worth it to raise your own fruit!
https://solvepestproblems.oregonstate.edu/plant-problems/spotted-wing-drosophila
On my farm, we have blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and grapes. We make sure to pick every day when the fruit is ripe and carry a "bad berry" bucket to toss in the soft or obviously affected ones. We feed them to our chickens, but they can be boiled and composted or put in the trash.
We also pick up all dropped fruit, as it is often infested and can start the cycle for the next year. And we harvest early and use drip irrigation only. We tried using traps, but they did not lower the population level. This year we used pheromone traps in the blueberries and it did seem to help. Alpha Scents, Inc. is a local company in Canby or you can order them online. They are not cheap.
I hope this gives you some ideas and you can get a handle on our devastating berry invaders. It is worth it to raise your own fruit!
Thank you very much Rhonda! I will give it a try! I appreciate the quick response-enjoy your summer!
