Non-Chemical Management
- Monitor for SWD using vinegar traps. For information on building and placing traps, see Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) Monitoring, Identifying, and Fruit Sampling (WSU Extension Fact Sheet FS049E, available at https://pubs.wsu.edu/). IMPORTANT: Numerous species of Drosophila and other insects will also be attracted to vinegar traps. Learn to identify SWD (if in doubt, contact your local Extension office).
- Vinegar traps are for MONITORING PURPOSES ONLY and will not provide control of SWD. Remember, chemical control is not necessary if SWD is not present.
- Composting infested fruit in home compost piles is not likely to be effective at destroying SWD larvae and pupae.
- Pick fruit regularly. Remove overripe or damaged fruit which may attract SWD.
- Remove infested and fallen fruit from the garden. Dispose of infested fruit in a sealed container, or bury at least 6 inches deep in an area that will not be disturbed.
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!