Apple Maggot Control 101

In this Apple Maggot Control workshop, we’ll walk you through the entire apple‑maggot story—how to spot that first tell‑tale “sting,” when those pesky flies actually emerge in Edmonton’s short season, and which control method fits your values, budget, and tree size.

You’ll finish the session with a season‑long action plan, supplier list, and the confidence to keep every harvest worm‑free.

What You’ll Learn

Apple maggot flies don’t read the calendar, so timing is everything. 

You’ll discover when to hang sticky red‑ball traps, when to mix and apply kaolin clay spray, and the exact window—based on degree‑day models—when a targeted insecticide actually works (and when it’s a waste of money). We’ll break down the full life‑cycle—from eggs to the dreaded white worms in apples—and show you how to tell apple maggot vs. codling moth in 60 seconds flat.

Why Maggot Control Matters in Edmonton

Apple maggot hit Edmonton in 2005 and keeps spreading because unmanaged trees in our cold Zone 3 climate act as reservoirs. One infested yard can seed a whole neighbourhood. We unpack local quarantine rules, municipal disposal tips, and why early fruit drop hurts both yield and food-security efforts.

You’ll learn:

• Why early fruit drop accelerates infestations—and how to stop it.
• City disposal rules so you avoid fines when trashing maggot‑ridden fruit.
• Community‑wide tactics to keep unmanaged trees next door from reinfecting yours.

Female apple maggot photo by Joseph Berger, licensed by creative commons.

Hands-On Practice & Demonstrations

Get sticky—literally. You’ll set up traps, coat them with Tanglefoot, and learn the “one-trap-per-50-fruit” rule. Next, mix a batch of Surround® kaolin and test nozzle settings for full-coverage spraying. Finally, try netting and individual fruit bags so you can choose a chemical-free barrier that fits your tree size and budget.

Common Questions We’ll Answer

• “How do I know if my tree really has maggots?” We’ll show sting marks, trap counts, and cut‑fruit diagnosis.
• “What are maggoty apples good for?” Learn safe uses—from cider to livestock feed—plus when to toss.
• “Can I manage without chemicals?” Yes—see our sanitation + trap + barrier plan.

Meet Your Instructor

Sarah McPike—long‑time fruit rescuer, certified tree‑pest manager, and insect enthusiast—has helped hundreds of Edmonton households reclaim their harvests. Her passion for local apples and science‑based solutions shines through every demo and Q&A.

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 like the apple maggot using science-based solutions.

Her engaging workshops and research on biological control methods reflect her passion for integrating scientific rigor with community education.

Take-Home Resources & Next Steps

Leave with a month-by-month action sheet (late-June trap check, July spray window, August sanitation blitz), a Calgary and Edmonton supplier list for lures and clay, and links to degree-day calculators so you always know when to spray for apple maggot—no guesswork.

Who This is For

• Backyard growers tired of slicing into wormy fruit—stop wasting a whole harvest.
• School or community-garden coordinators—protect children’s snack apples without harsh chemicals.
• Organic homesteaders—learn spray-free methods that still pass CFIA quarantine inspections.
• Market gardeners seeking Grade A produce—cut cull rates and keep CSA members happy.
• New tree owners wondering “why are my apples dropping early?”—catch the problem before it ruins year two.

Imagine stepping outside this fall, picking firm, spotless fruit, and tasting pure, tunnel‑free crunch. This workshop hands you every proven tactic, local insight, and support resource you need to make that vision real—no agricultural degree required.

By mastering apple maggot control you’re not just saving apples; you’re strengthening Edmonton’s food chain, cutting waste, and inspiring neighbours to join a city‑wide push for healthier, more abundant backyard orchards.

See our Events page for upcoming Apple Maggot Control workshops and claim your seat!