Question
I have mexican fruit flies that lay eggs and hatch larve in my apples and cherries. They are larger than reqular fruit flies and have black and white striped wings. When should I spray? What should I spray with?
Answer(s)
You didn't say where you live, but the Mexican fruit fly would be a rarity if ever found here in Utah. It normally is in Central America, Mexico, Southern Texas and southern Florida.. It can be identified by the long ovipositor on the female. Look on Google images to see one. The Western Cherry fruit fly is common around here and lays eggs on the cherries when they turn straw yellow. They also have bands on the wings. They don't, however, lay eggs on the apples. The wormy apples are caused by a coddling moth that lays its eggs on the fruit. The coddling moth needs to be sprayed frequently, usually every seven days, depending on the insecticide. Spraying should continue through the first week in September. The spray for the cherries begins when the cherries turn a straw yellow, some with a touch of pink beneath, (salmon colored). It should continue up to harvest. The frequency depends on the spray used. If you have further questions, call us at 851-8462 Pat Fugal, master gardener
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