How to Remove Pests from Fruit Trees

It can be a lot of fun to grow fruit trees, because they produce food while having the satisfaction of watching something grow. However, as with growing anything, the threats of insects must be dealt with. Knowing how to get rid of them is important.

Directions:

1. Keep an eye on the fruit at different stages of development. While it is much more likely to have an attack while the fruit is in bloom, there are insects which will attack while it is still developing. Identify the insect to know how to treat it. The county agriculture extension office can help with the identification if unable to do so.


2. Use a natural insecticide on the tree, being sure to apply it to the bottom (base) of the tree, as well as the joints where the limbs attach. These are prime areas infestations are likely to occur.


3. Examine the tree carefully after it starts to bloom. Pay special attention to the leaves (including beneath the leaves, where they meet the tree limbs) and developing fruit for any sign of insects.


4. Allow natural predators to attack the pests. There are some insects, such as spiders and ladybugs, which will not harm the fruit, but will go after the insects attacking the trees.


5. Consider using insect crystals to fight the insects and prevent them from coming up the tree to attack fruit. Insect crystals are applied at the base of the tree, and are a good preventative measure to prevent insect infestations further up the tree, where the blooms and fruit are coming in.


6. Pick fruit as soon as possible. This is a good plan irrespective of the insect issue, but will also prevent additional insects from attaching to the good fruit.