Why Are There Bugs in Strawberries?

A viral video showed wormy bugs coming out of strawberries. Experts explain what kind they were and what happens if you accidentally consume them.

A TikTok video depicting a surprising phenomenon has gained significant traction, showcasing bugs emerging from strawberries that had been immersed in saltwater. This occurrence has sparked both intrigue and concern.

In contrast to the numerous playful and deceptive content found on TikTok, this particular video carries a more serious message. TikTokers have shared the advice to soak strawberries in saltwater for approximately half an hour, revealing the emergence of worm-like bugs as a result.

This video has prompted a series of inquiries, including the nature of these worm-like creatures, the reason behind their presence in strawberries, and whether consuming fresh fruit is still safe.

According to insights from Sriyanka Lahiri, Ph.D., an assistant professor at the University of Florida specializing in strawberry and small fruit crop entomology, the minuscule pale worms are, in fact, the larvae of a fly known as the spotted wing drosophila (SWD). This fly, an invasive species hailing from East Asia, has been infesting berry crops since its arrival in the USA in 2008.

The presence of these bugs in berries can be attributed to the distinct behavior of the SWD fly, which differentiates it from the typical fruit fly. This differentiation lies in its unique ability to deposit eggs within unblemished, ripe berry fruits, facilitated by its serrated egg-laying apparatus, known as an ovipositor.

Explaining this phenomenon, Lahiri elucidated, “Female SWD flies lay their eggs inside the mature fruit, and subsequent larvae emerge from these eggs, sustaining themselves by consuming the fruit’s interior. Detecting these larvae during harvest proves challenging. Notably, conventional fruit flies exclusively target softening, deteriorated, or decaying fruit. Therefore, the larvae concealed within seemingly pristine fruit can be unmistakably attributed to the SWD species.”

So, why do these bugs exhibit a preference for strawberries? Lahiri revealed that the SWD is drawn to yeast and a sugar water solution, which serves as a monitoring tool in berry cultivation.

It’s essential to recognize that various berry crops are susceptible to the SWD’s intrusion. Alongside strawberries, this pest poses a notable threat to blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and cherries, as outlined in a pest management bulletin published in 2018 by a collective of researchers from diverse universities and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (USDA ARS).

Nevertheless, it’s imperative to note that not all berry types, including strawberries, provide a conducive environment for the SWD to thrive.

Diverse Array of Insects in Berries

Apart from the spotted wing drosophila (SWD) fly and its larvae, an assortment of other pests can also take residence in strawberries and various other types of berries. According to insights from Lahiri, the range of pests that have the potential to inflict harm upon berry plants and their fruits encompass:

1. Thrips: These are diminutive, slender-winged insects.

2. Mites: Microscopic arachnids, belonging to the same classification as ticks and spiders.

3. Aphids: Soft-bodied insects known for their tendency to feed on plants, including berry crops.

4. Armyworms: Caterpillar pests that are in the juvenile stage of certain moth species.

Lahiri underscores that with meticulous pest management practices in place, the presence of any of these pests should not escalate into a substantial infestation.

Preventing Bug Infestations in Berries: Effective Strategies

The key to mitigating bug infestations in berries, particularly those induced by the SWD, revolves around a proactive approach encompassing monitoring and preventative control measures aimed at curbing the presence of adult flies.

“The primary objective involves preventing female flies from laying their eggs on the fruit,” elucidates Lahiri. She expounds, “Timely harvesting of ripe fruits, swift removal of deteriorating specimens, and the proper disposal of damaged fruit are sound cultural practices to manage SWD populations, given their attraction to the scent of fermenting fruit.”

Strategies for managing infestations differ based on the specific circumstances, but commonly involve interventions such as eliminating afflicted plants and judicious employment of insecticides for safeguarding the fruit’s integrity.

The guidelines outlined in the SWD management bulletin advocate for vigilant field monitoring via traps, checked on a weekly basis throughout the fruit’s developmental stages until harvest concludes. In instances of SWD detection, the recommended strategies encompass:

1. Implementation of exclusion netting to physically obstruct pests from accessing the fruit.

2. Utilization of cultural control methods, including targeted pruning.

3. Adjustment of harvest intervals to reduce susceptibility.

4. Thorough removal of residual fruit to maintain plant cleanliness.

5. Application of insecticides as required, with compliance to the National Organic Program’s standards for organic fruit production.

Eliminating Bugs from Strawberries: Expert Advice

Lahiri ardently advocates for the thorough washing of strawberries, along with all other varieties of fresh produce, prior to consumption. However, it’s important to acknowledge that due to the maggots’ deep-seated presence within the fruit, a mere washing procedure might not entirely expel them.

Lahiri elucidates, “Submerging the strawberries in water could potentially compel a fraction of these insects to exit.” It’s noteworthy that Lahiri has not encountered any substantiated advantages of incorporating salt into the water, akin to what was demonstrated in the TikTok video. However, she acknowledges not having conducted research in that specific direction. Additionally, Lahiri raises the point that extended immersion in saltwater could potentially alter the natural taste of fresh strawberries.

Given these considerations, while washing strawberries can offer a degree of assurance, it’s vital to acknowledge the limitations in fully eradicating concealed pests solely through this method.

Potential Health Implications of Consuming Bugs in Strawberries

As unsettling as it might appear, there’s scant evidence suggesting any adverse health consequences from inadvertently ingesting a few maggots along with your fruit. Throughout history, it’s conceivable that individuals have unknowingly consumed such elements, and these instances have not been associated with discernible health risks.

Lahiri illuminates this perspective, asserting, “Despite the seemingly off-putting sight of translucent larvae emerging from a freshly plucked strawberry, no substantiated adverse effects linked to their consumption have been established.” She further emphasizes, “In fact, if one happens to consume a few maggots unintentionally, the outcome is merely an inadvertent addition of supplementary animal protein to their dietary intake, be it in a salad or a fruit-based shake.”

In light of this understanding, it’s reasonable to detach apprehensions surrounding this matter and continue partaking in strawberries with the reassurance that the incidental presence of such creatures holds minimal if any, discernible health implications.

Occurrence of Bugs in Berries: A Common Phenomenon

The reality we confront is that a degree of insect infestation within both fresh market produce and stored grains is, in most cases, an inevitability that defies complete eradication. This acknowledgment is substantiated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which outlines contamination thresholds for various food categories, encompassing permissible levels of insects or mold presence within the foods. It’s worth noting, however, that specific guidelines related to bugs within strawberries appear to be absent from the FDA’s official documentation.

The pursuit of a zero-tolerance stance toward maggots or grubs in food would necessitate an excessive deployment of pesticides, an approach that, as Lahiri clarifies, is not congruent with environmental sustainability or the preservation of human health. “Striking a balance between minimal pesticide residue on our food and the inadvertent inclusion of additional animal protein can be viewed as a pragmatic compromise,” she emphasizes.

Given this context, the presence of insects in berries, as well as other consumables, should be understood as an intrinsic facet of food production and consumption that, while perhaps disconcerting, is managed within the constraints of practicality and overall well-being.

A Quick Review

The presence of insects in fruits is a frequent occurrence, yet it’s important to understand that their presence doesn’t equate to potential harm. It’s worth emphasizing that there is no substantiated evidence indicating that bugs found within strawberries pose any adverse health risks. While witnessing bugs emerging from strawberries might evoke discomfort, it’s crucial to note that their existence does not bear any detrimental effects on your well-being.