Discovering small bugs or larvae in cherries is a common occurrence that raises questions about the fruit’s safety and handling. This article provides practical information on identifying, inspecting, and managing bugs in cherries, along with reassurance about their safety.
Common Cherry Pests
The primary culprit behind “worms” in cherries is the larvae of the cherry fruit fly, such as the Western cherry fruit fly (Rhagoletis indifferens) in North America or the European cherry fruit fly (Rhagoletis cerasi) in Europe. These larvae are small, creamy white, legless maggots, tapered at one end and blunt at the other, growing up to about 5/16 inch (8 mm) long.
Adult female cherry fruit flies lay eggs beneath the skin of ripening cherries. The larvae hatch, tunnel towards the pit, and feed on the fruit’s flesh. While cherry fruit fly larvae are the most common internal pest, other fruit fly larvae, like Drosophila suzukii (Spotted Wing Drosophila), may also be found, especially in damaged fruit. These can cause internal damage, leading to soft or rotting fruit.
Are Bugs in Cherries Harmful
While consuming insects can be unappetizing, the larvae found in cherries, primarily cherry fruit fly larvae, are not harmful if accidentally ingested. These larvae are not poisonous, do not transmit diseases, and are not vectors for human pathogens, as they feed only on cherry flesh.
For individuals with sensitive digestive systems or insect allergies, mild symptoms like bloating, nausea, or diarrhea could occur. However, for most people, the larvae are simply an unexpected source of protein and lipids. Their soft cuticles pass through the digestive system without issues.
How to Inspect Cherries for Bugs
Inspect cherries for bugs using a visual inspection. Look for small holes, soft spots, or discoloration on the fruit’s skin, which may indicate an entry or exit point for larvae. Infested fruits may also appear wilted or shriveled.
A more thorough method is the “float test” or salt water soak. Place cherries in a bowl of cold water with added salt (about 1 tablespoon per liter). Allow them to soak for 30 minutes to an hour. This encourages any larvae present to exit the fruit and float to the surface.
What to Do If Bugs Are Found
If bugs are found, discard heavily infested or significantly damaged cherries. For light infestations, a salt water soak can remove larvae. After soaking, rinse cherries thoroughly under running water to remove any remaining salt solution and dislodged larvae.
This soaking method does not guarantee complete elimination of all larvae, but it can significantly reduce their presence. If larvae remain unappealing after soaking, cherries can still be used in cooked applications like jams, pies, or compotes, as cooking eliminates any remaining larvae.
Prevention and Management
For home gardeners, preventing cherry fruit fly infestations involves proactive measures. A primary strategy is using physical barriers, such as fine mesh netting, draped over trees before fruit ripens. Secure netting around the trunk to prevent adult flies from reaching the fruit and laying eggs. This method is particularly effective for smaller trees.
Orchard sanitation is another practice. Regularly removing fallen fruit from beneath trees interrupts the cherry fruit fly’s life cycle, as larvae drop to the ground to pupate. Cleaning up all harvested and dropped cherries significantly reduces the pest population for the following season. Additionally, applying ground covers or mulches around tree bases creates a physical barrier, preventing larvae from burrowing into the soil or emerging as adults.
Monitoring traps, such as yellow sticky traps, detect adult cherry fruit flies and indicate their activity. While these traps offer limited control, they provide valuable information for timing other interventions. For severe infestations, organic sprays containing spinosad can be used, but careful adherence to label directions is necessary, especially regarding application timing and impact on beneficial insects like bees.