Apple maggots are ruining Edmonton’s apple harvests – but you don’t have to let them. If you’ve ever picked an apple only to find it riddled with brown trails and mushy spots, you’ve met Rhagoletis pomonella. This workshop tackles the most common fruit tree pest in Edmonton and gives you the tools to fight back – and control apple maggots, before they get hit.
Join us for a focused session that answers the most important questions about apple maggot control in our local climate.
What You’ll Learn
- How to tell if your tree has apple maggots
- What to do with apples that are already infested
- When and how apple maggots strike in Edmonton
- Practical methods to protect your apples next season
- Tips from an insect expert with real-world experience
- The role of fruit rescue in pest prevention
How Do You Know If Your Tree Has Maggots?
Not every blemished apple is infested – but if you spot winding brown trails inside or find a soft, pulpy core, apple maggots may be the cause. You’ll learn what to look for and how to confirm whether your tree is hosting these unwelcome guests.
What Are Maggoty Apples Good For?
They’re not a total loss! Find out which parts of an infested apple can be safely salvaged and how to make the most of your harvest – even if pests got to it first.
How Can You Protect Your Apples from Becoming Infested?
Prevention is key. Sarah will walk you through actionable steps for keeping apple maggots out of your trees, including local timing, trapping, and cleanup strategies that make a real difference in Edmonton’s urban orchards.
Accessible. Affordable. Virtual.
This event is offered as a virtual training – meaning you can attend from anywhere in Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia or even the Northern United States. At just $10, it’s one of the most affordable ways to get expert advice on protecting your fruit trees.
Know someone with apple trees in Calgary, Kelowna, or Saskatoon? Share this workshop with them – they’re welcome, too!
Who’s Leading the Event?
Sarah McPike is a certified tree pest management specialist and long-time fruit rescuer with a passion for Edmonton apples. With her deep knowledge of insects and her love for community food security, Sarah brings both science and heart to this hands-on workshop.
Sarah is an accomplished professional with a Master of Science in Integrated Pest Management, serving as a senior biological sciences technologist at Edmonton’s pest management lab. Her expertise in monitoring and controlling urban pests, such as mosquitoes, has made her a key contributor to public health and environmental sustainability in the region.
As a past president of Operation Fruit Rescue Edmonton (OFRE), she has been instrumental in rescuing thousands of pounds of fruit, promoting food security, and fostering sustainable practices within the community.
As a certified tree-pest manager and insect enthusiast, she has empowered hundreds of Edmonton households to combat pests and control apple maggots in Edmonton using science-based solutions.
Take Home More Than Just Tips
When you understand apple maggots, you can rescue more fruit, protect your tree’s future, and support a more resilient local food system. Join us to learn how – and leave ready to take action.