Are these pepper maggots? - Ask Extension
I believe we have an infestation of pepper maggots. I couldn't find any information on the MSU Extension website. Can you tell me if that is what is s...
Knowledgebase
Are these pepper maggots? #211518
Asked September 09, 2014, 11:37 AM EDT
I believe we have an infestation of pepper maggots. I couldn't find any information on the MSU Extension website. Can you tell me if that is what is seen in the picture, and if so, what to do to prevent them next year? If not, any ideas on what they might be, and what to do?
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
Pepper maggots are not a common problem. Since they are not, it is difficult to find information on them. One suggestion would be to send a sample to the MSU Diagnostic Clinic - www.pestid.msu.edu - and have them positively identified. They can recommend control. You can download the forms at this site and mail them the samples, check, and filled-out forms.
From information that I have read, very thorough garden cleanup is needed. The larvae drop to the ground, so removing marked peppers immediately and not planting in the same area is necessary. Sprays have to be timed, and this information recommends a trap to catch adults to tell you when to spray which appears to be in July or August. But the Diagnostic Clinic can better advise what pesticide to use and timing for its application.
From information that I have read, very thorough garden cleanup is needed. The larvae drop to the ground, so removing marked peppers immediately and not planting in the same area is necessary. Sprays have to be timed, and this information recommends a trap to catch adults to tell you when to spray which appears to be in July or August. But the Diagnostic Clinic can better advise what pesticide to use and timing for its application.
