Hello. I can’t find nematodes in Canada that are specifically for apple maggots. The only ones that I have found are the ones that are for lawns. So are these the same? Can the ones used for the lawn be used for the apple maggots? If not then where can I get them? And please any other useful information on what to use and how to proceed with this would be helpful. I fear that my spring window is closing fast.
Thank you for contacting the Toronto Master Gardeners.
We have a number of inquiries every year concerning apple maggots. The following information is from one of our earlier posts:
“From your photo it looks like you have apple maggots. Apple maggots are a big problem for commercial apple growers in Ontario and BC and does require some care to eradicate. In 2014 there was a much higher incidence than previous years which coincides with the beginning of your issues.
Sanitation around the apple tree is an essential first step. Picking up and removing windfall apples helps remove the larvae from the site and will hopefully decrease the number maturing to adulthood. Do not put the apples in your compost, have them removed from your yard.
There are a collection of traps available for catching the adults before they lay their eggs. These can be hung in trees before the adults arrive. Commercial orchards do spray for the larvae but I am uncertain what sprays you will be able to find at your local nurseries available for home use. I have attached two links for sites from the Ontario Government which outline methods to identify and control apple maggots.”
Worms in apples in another one of our archived posts with additional information. Out website also has a wide variety of information on pruning and care of apple trees. Simply type apple tree in the search bar located to the right of the main page.
Good luck and I hope this information helps.