Insect infestation apple tree - Ask Extension
Some small worm or moth has been infesting the Honeycrisp tree and destroying the apples. I don’t know how to treat it and local tree services do no...
Knowledgebase
Insect infestation apple tree #788882
Asked May 02, 2022, 11:53 AM EDT
Some small worm or moth has been infesting the Honeycrisp tree and destroying the apples. I don’t know how to treat it and local tree services do not offer this service.
St. Louis County Minnesota
Expert Response
The damage shown in the photos is likely caused by an apple maggot or weevil. Both have larva that hatch from eggs that are laid in the fruit when young. The insects overwinter in ground debris. Cleaning up all fruit, leaves and weeds below the tree can be helpful. Each insect lays eggs at different times of the season. Watching for insects from bloom time on is helpful in identification. You can hang sticky traps in the tree to capture and see what insects are causing the damage. Treatment is dependent on what insect is impacting the fruit. Below is a link to information on growing apples. It includes treatment options for the insects.
https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-apples#insects-1143610
https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-apples#insects-1143610