Overview
Apple maggot is a destructive pest of apple and related fruit trees. Adult flies emerge in summer and lay eggs just under the skin of developing fruit. The larvae (maggots) tunnel through the flesh, leaving meandering brown trails and causing fruit to become soft and unmarketable. Infested fruit often drops prematurely.
Signs of Infestation
- Small, dimpled puncture marks on fruit skin
- Brown, meandering tunnels inside fruit
- Premature fruit drop
- Soft, rotting spots on apples
- Small flies with distinctive wing patterns on fruit
Treatment & Management
Sticky traps can monitor and reduce adult populations. Timely insecticide applications during egg-laying periods are effective. Sanitation, including removing fallen fruit, helps break the pest cycle.
Why Choose Earth-Wise?
Our team has decades of experience treating apple maggot infestations throughout the Roaring Fork and Vail Valleys. We use integrated pest management approaches that are effective and environmentally responsible. Our ISA Certified Arborists can assess the infestation level and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for your property.