Do All Blueberries Have Worms If Not Sprayed?

Blueberries do not naturally have worms. The worms, or larvae, that are sometimes found in blueberries are the larvae of the spotted wing drosophila (SWD), an invasive vinegar fly. SWD larvae can infest many types of soft fruits, including blueberries, raspberries, and cherries.

SWD females use their sharp ovipositors to pierce the skin of the fruit and lay their eggs inside. The eggs hatch into larvae that feed on the fruit, causing it to rot. SWD infestations can cause significant crop losses for blueberry growers.

To prevent SWD infestations, growers can use a variety of methods, including:

- Spraying the plants with insecticides

- Using traps to capture adult flies

- Covering the plants with netting

- Removing infested fruit from the plants

- Rotating crops to avoid planting blueberries in areas where SWD infestations have occurred in the past

By following these methods, growers can reduce the risk of SWD infestations and protect their blueberry crop.