How To Prevent Worms In Apples?

Without an iota of doubt, the apple is among the most cultivated fruits all over the world. It is an edible fruit of the domesticated tree Malus Domestica.

Apples have a round shape and sweet taste, and the color depends on their variety. It originated in Central Asia and has been cultivated in Europe and Asia for thousands of years.

Apple is loved for its health benefits. “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” is a cliche we all have heard, and consuming more apples is often associated with fewer trips to the clinic. They reduce the risk of diabetes and contain nutrients that can fight cancer.

Furthermore, apples are low in calories and are recommended for people wanting to lose weight. With such amazing health benefits, it’s no wonder the apple is the third most consumed edible fruit worldwide.

With that out of the way, if you are looking to grow apples in your yard, worms are the biggest challenge you’ll likely face. No doubt, some worms can benefit your plants, but it is a general consensus among landscapers that they do more harm than good.

They can ruin your trees and destroy their fruits. For a landscaper who has grown trees for months with great care, this situation is no less than a nightmare.

So, how do you prevent worms in apples? Is there any way you can keep worms away from your apples? In this article, we will give some useful tips to keep your apples safe from worms. Let’s dig deeper without any further ado!

How to Prevent Worms in Apple

• Insecticides

There are many methods when it comes to preventing worms from attacking your apples. The most effective way is to spray them with an insecticide. For those who do not know, an insecticide is a pesticide used to kill insects. They are mainly used by farmers and gardeners to protect their plants from insects.

Insecticides are readily available all over the world. Just visit your nearby superstore, and you’ll find a variety of insecticides there. If you cannot find it at a superstore, you can also order it online. Since these chemicals are widely used, there are hundreds of online companies that manufacture insecticides.

There are many types of insecticides available on the market. So, it would be better to reach out to a botanist and ask them about it. Of course, different insecticides have different actions.

Therefore, it is recommended to seek professional help while choosing an insecticide. The last thing you’d want is to cause additional damage to your plants by applying inappropriate chemicals. They will guide you on which insecticide is suitable for your apple trees.

• Applying an Insecticide

Once you have purchased the right pesticide, get a spray pump and pour some insecticide into it. Spray pumps with adjustable nozzle tips work best for this purpose as they let you adjust the pressure flow of the liquid inside.

Make sure to dilute it before applying, or else you may end up damaging your plant trees. It is important to dilute the insecticide correctly for its best performance.

Add too much water; the insecticide will lose its power. Add less water, and it may damage your plants.

Instructions regarding the application process and dilution are usually mentioned on the package. It is advised to read those instructions, even if you have consulted with a botanist.

This is because every insecticide has a different mode of action and requires different dilutions to work perfectly. Once you have added both water and insecticide to the spray pump, give it a gentle shake to mix it properly.

• Precautionary Measures

Moreover, do not forget to wear chemical-resistant gloves while spraying the insecticide. Insecticides contain harsh chemicals that may cause poisoning if inhaled or absorbed by your skin.

Always remember that your safety is paramount. If you experience breathing difficulty or coughing after using the insecticide, consider reaching out to a doctor straight away.

It would be a good idea to wear a full-sleeved shirt and trousers that cover your knee at least. And yes, make sure to keep your kids and pets away from the treated apple trees until the insecticide dries properly.

Simply spray the insecticide on your apple trees. Many landscapers recommend applying insecticides early in the morning. Since worms and other insects are active during the early hours of the day, these are the best hours to spray an insecticide.

Furthermore, this will also give your leaves enough time to dry before the temperature gets high. Avoid over spraying because it can also harm your apple trees.

• Side Effects

Having said that, it is important to note that insecticides have many side effects. Some insecticides have toxic elements, such as lead, that can pollute the environment.

The thing with the insecticides is that they will likely kill good bugs too. Of course, not all insects are bad for your apple trees. Some insects help your trees grow by delivering nutrients to the soil. Therefore, many gardeners are skeptical about using an insecticide.

If you want to prevent worms in apples the organic way, orchard sanitation can help. It is a process of removing damaged and infested fruits from the trees.

Make sure that there is no fallen apple at the bottom of the tree. If found, pick it up and destroy it to make sure the worms don’t spread to other apples. Also, visually inspect the apples hanging on your tree and make sure they are not infested. If they have wormholes, consider destroying them too.

• Traps

Using traps is another great way to protect your apple trees from worms. In this method, traps are placed all over the yard to catch worms. The odors of these traps attract male worms, and when they come, they will get trapped. When there are no male worms, female worms won’t be able to produce eggs.

These traps remain effective for three weeks. Therefore, consider placing another set of traps after 2-3 weeks.

Nylon Footies

Some gardeners recommend covering apples with nylon footies. They can reduce the damage caused by worms by as much as 80%. They are available at nurseries and are made for this purpose.

However, these footies are only for average-sized apples. If the apples have achieved their full size, they may not fit in properly. Furthermore, nylon footies are a viable option if you have a small lawn. Applying them to dozens of apples can be a time-consuming task.

The Bottom Line

Apples are loaded with many beneficial nutrients and offer lots of health benefits. However, if you have planted apples in your yard, worms can be a serious headache.

Using insecticides is an efficient way to deal with the worms, but their side effects can affect your tree. If you are to use an insecticide, make sure to dilute it correctly and wear protective gear. Traps can also help you keep worms on your lawn at bay.