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The tiny white worms you might see emerging from your strawberries after a salt water soak are most likely the larvae of the Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD), a type of fruit fly. These larvae are small, typically measuring about 1 to 3 millimeters in length. They have a pale, translucent appearance and can be difficult to spot without careful inspection.
These larvae thrive in the soft, ripening flesh of strawberries, which provides an ideal environment for them to develop. The female flies lay their eggs just below the fruit’s surface, and as the eggs hatch, the larvae begin to feed on the fruit from the inside out. This process can occur rapidly, especially in warm, humid conditions, making it a common issue in many strawberry-growing regions.
2. Meet the Culprit: Spotted Wing Drosophila Explained
