How do I know if my cherries have worms?

If you see small holes on the skin, the fruit is likely infested. You can also float the cherries in salt water for 30 minutes to see if any larvae emerge.

Are aphids harmful to the tree?

They can stunt new growth and spread viruses, but they rarely kill a mature cherry tree. Treat them early to keep the tree vigorous.

What is eating my sweet cherry tree? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Examine the fruit for tiny holes or soft patches.
Look at the tips of new branches for clusters of insects.
Check for sticky residue on the leaves.

Likely causes

Cherry Fruit Fly
Most likely
How to tell: You might notice tiny pinprick holes on the fruit surface. Inside, the fruit will be soft and contain small white larvae.
What to do: Hang yellow sticky traps in the tree canopy in late spring to catch adults. Use an organic spinosad spray once the fruit begins to change color to protect the crop.
Aphids
Possible
How to tell: Leaves will look curled or sticky with a shiny substance called honeydew. Look for clusters of tiny green or black bugs on new growth.
What to do: Spray the leaves with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If the infestation is heavy, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your sweet cherry

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If you find larvae inside your cherries, the fruit is not edible. Aphids are usually a minor nuisance unless they are causing severe leaf curling.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the ground under your tree clear of fallen fruit to stop the life cycle of fruit flies. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs to visit your garden.

Sweet Cherry: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your sweet cherry and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

How do I know if my cherries have worms?: If you see small holes on the skin, the fruit is likely infested. You can also float the cherries in salt water for 30 minutes to see if any larvae emerge.
Are aphids harmful to the tree?: They can stunt new growth and spread viruses, but they rarely kill a mature cherry tree. Treat them early to keep the tree vigorous.

Guides to these causes

Aphids

What is eating my sweet cherry tree?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your sweet cherry?