Jeremiah Scott

Woa, thanks to everyone for your input! I had no idea it was so difficult growing fruit. It has been quite the adventure, each year I learn a little more and things get a little better. Our local extension has been busy but they got back to me and believe they are codling moths.

I have posted their response below for anyone interested. We have been battling mites in our pear trees as well so hopefully this winter I can knock them out with the oil we purchased, and then I’m gonna get these apple buggers under control! We actually had some nice rainier cherries this year but the birds got them before we could protect them maybe next year!



You have asked about insects that have damaged the apples in your photos.  This appears to be evidence of codling moths, a primary pest of apple trees in Washington.  At this time, you need to remove the infected fruit, as well as nearby places where the larvae may overwinter.

Then, you have the winter to decide your approach to managing the codling moth for next year.  Non-pesticide strategies include bagging the fruit and putting corrugated cardboard rings around the trunk to trap the larvae.

https://pubs.extension.wsu.edu/codling-moth-and-your-backyard-fruit-tree
https://extension.wsu.edu/yakima/home-garden/tree-fruit-pests/

There are a variety of pesticides available for home gardeners, and these include some organic options.  If you decide to use a pesticide, you must follow the instructions on the label.

http://hortsense.cahnrs.wsu.edu/Search/MainMenuWithFactSheet.aspx?CategoryId=3&PlantDefId=59&ProblemId=22

This link includes further information on pesticides, although home gardeners are limited to the remedies in the section "HOME USE".

https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/tree-fruit/apple/apple-codling-moth

Between our three trees we only had about 20 apples. I would guess about 50% of them got hit.

We do have a bunch of wasps or yellow jackets or whatever they are called around here. Most of the time we try and eat outside anywhere at our house or in the area those little suckers close in and ruin things.

I will have to look into this, I never thought about them eating apples. Thanks

Hi-

We live in the Seattle area and have several apples trees that we planted three years ago. The trees are about 8 feet tall but still babies—this was the first year they produced.

Anyhow, I think we may have apple maggots? I setup those red sticky balls half way through the season, maybe too late or they aren’t the solution.

A lot of the apples seem to have brown gumpnthat comes from the center stem part on the bottom while the other big holes are on the side.

I’m trying to be organic but lay it on me, if we need to bust out some sprays let me know.

Thanks!

Thank you.

Hi/
My kids and I are growing apple, cherry snd pear trees in our backyard. It’s been quite the journey this last three years. Finally this year we have some apples, I will have to check, I forgot what variety this is.

Anyhow, some of the apples on various trees have developed these spots and we are wondering what they are and how to avoid them. We haven’t really been using any spreads other than copper in the winter and fall. I’m. It sure how old the tree in question really is, it’s about 8-9 feet tall but still a baby as it’s not very stout.

We live in the Seattle area. I have some of those red balls with sticky goo on them. As difficult as it is we are trying to avoid any pesticides.  I cut the apple open and didn’t see anything inside. It was just on the surface. We at the other half and it was yummy.

Thanks