The apple maggot can be controlled with general-purpose fruit spray mixtures available under a variety of brand names at most garden supply shops and hardware stores. These mixtures generally contain insecticides such as malathion, methoxychlor and a fungicide. Prepare spray mixtures according to manufacturers directions. They may be added to the general-purpose mix or substituted for methoxychlor by those who prepare their own mix at the rate recommended on the carbaryl or phosmet label for general fruit insect control. During peaks of emergence, usually the latter part of July, spray intervals should be shortened to seven days.
Any treatments missed during the period of maggot activity can result in wormy fruit.
Most damage to fruit is usually caused by late-emerging maggots. Activity usually ceases in late August or early September, but can last into October. If spraying is stopped more than two weeks before harvest, expect some trouble from maggots. The information in this material is for educational purposes. The recommendations contained are based on the best available knowledge at the time of printing.