
Apple and Pear Fruit Full of Worms
I have both apple and pear trees in my backyard that produces fruit each year. Unfortunately the fruit is usually full of worms. What can I do to keep the trees and fruit but get rid of the worms?
Codling moths are usually the worm we find in wormy apples. Start control with sanitation. Remove fallen fruit and discard or bury at least 2 feet below ground. Spraying the tree at petal fall and again in 10 days will take care of most of the problem. High populations may need additional one or two sprays to control the summer generation. Use an insecticide labeled for apples and codling moth control. Bacillus thuringiensis has not been particularly effective against this pest. Visit the United States Department of Agriculture website extension.org to find your local Extension Service. They may have more detailed information on the care of apple trees in your part of the country.
Related

Audio

Article
Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars
April 26, 2025
Organic Gardening Basics
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 3, 2025
Low-Maintenance Gardening
Merton, WI
Register here
May 7, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Vertical Gardening
Register here
May 10, 2025
Ask the Plant Doctor Q&A
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 11, 2025
Ask the Plant Doctor Q&A
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 15, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
7 Steps to Managing Water on Your Property
Register here
May 17, 2025
Ask the Plant Doctor Q&A
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
May 18, 2025
Ask the Plant Doctor Q&A
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
June 4, 2025
FREE WEBINAR:
Attracting Hummingbirds
Register here
June 8, 2025
Selecting the Right Hydrangea
for Your Landscape
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
June 14, 2025
Houseplants 101
Ebert's Greenhouse Village
Ixonia, WI
June 20, 2025 (event 6/20-6/22)
Pollinator Celebration
Vino in the Valley
Maiden Rock, WI
Register here
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More