Fruit fly Vs B.C. cherries
A new invasive fruit fly species feeds on cherries and berries before they ripen. Because of the warmer weather; it’s one of the fastest spreading invasive pests seen in B.C.. The spotted-wing fly was first spotted five years ago, and has quickly become a threat to B.C. cherries. This fly doesn’t wait until the fruit is overripe or damaged to attack, so this particular pest is very treacherous. The females lay several eggs and the small maggots basically digest the pulp of the berry or cherry leaving it worthless. Because of our hot weather, the flies have been able to prosper. There is a fruit extract that has proven to be very repellent to the adult flies, which is a safer alternative to pesticides.
