Welcome to Skagit County

June 29th, 2010

Apple Maggot Season Approaching

SKAGIT COUNTY It is apple season again and with Skagit Countys anticipated apple bounty comes an unwanted pest, the apple maggot. The apple maggot is a destructive fruit-eating insect that feeds primarily on apple, crab apple, and Hawthorne trees. The pest can even infest other soft-skinned fruit like pears, plums, and apricots.

In late spring or early summer when temperatures reach the correct Degree Day for apple maggot, the pupae, which have been over-wintering in the ground, emerge as flies. Within 7-10 days, females lay eggs under the skin of the fruit and larvae hatch. The larvae mature and damage the fruit. Apple maggot infestation can result in a serious economic impact on both Skagit County and Washington States fruit industry, which is why it is important to fight the infestation of this pest.

How can you help?

Backyard and unattended fruit as well as Hawthorne trees, that are not part of an integrated pest management system, continue to cause problems in Skagit County. By working with the Skagit County Horticultural Pest Management Coordinator and the WSU Skagit County Extension on integrated pest programs, you can help deter this pest.

WSU Skagit County Extension has apple maggot traps and lures which can be purchased and placed in backyard trees to help control the spread of apple maggots. You can also slow the spread of apple maggots by not transporting non-commercial fruit.

For further information, or to purchase apple maggot traps and lures, visit the WSU Skagit County Extension office located at 11768 Westar Lane, Suite A, Burlington or call Skagit County Horticultural Pest Control Coordinator, Doug Karr, at 360-428-4270 ext. 233.