Cherry: Cherry fruit fly
Photo by: E.P. Breakey
Biology
Cherry fruit fly adults are brown to black flies with white bands across the abdomen. The wings are clear with distinctive dark bands. The fly is about 1/5″ long.
Eggs are laid beneath the skin of cherry fruit. Larvae are tapered, cream-colored to white maggots up to 1/4″ long. The larvae burrow and feed inside the cherries, destroying the fruit.
The maggots leave the fruit via an exit hole to pupate in the soil, sometimes remaining dormant for up to two or three years.
Adults emerge beginning around May.
Management Options
See "Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the Landscape" for successful problem management techniques.
Non-chemical Management
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!
- Parasitic wasps attack larvae. Avoid use of broad-spectrum insecticides which kill the wasps and other beneficial insects.
Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Always read and follow label directions when working with pesticides.
For more information on using pesticides visit :
- Cherry fruit fly – present mid-May to last of July.
- Begin applications about May 20 to 25.
- When using malathion, apply at 10-day intervals and allow 3 days minimum time to harvest.
- When using spinosad, apply at 7- to 10-day intervals and make no more than 6 applications per season.
- Check spinosad label for minimum time to harvest.
- Homeowners should not make foliar applications to trees over 10 ft tall.
- Consult a commercial pesticide applicator for treatment of trees and shrubs over 10 ft. tall.
Approved Pesticides
If you choose to use a pesticide, some examples of products that are legal in Washington are listed below. Some products are labeled for just INDOOR or just OUTDOOR use, or may allow both uses. Be sure to choose a product appropriate for your situation. Always read and follow all label directions.
WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination.
Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.