Natural Insecticide for Balaton Cherry Trees

Fruit Feeders

• The most common pests of the Balaton cherry tree can include cherry fruit flies, cherry aphids and green fruitworms. Cherry fruit flies cause fruit to become soft and shriveled and to drop early. Maggots are also usually present within the fruit because fruit flies will deposit their eggs within the fruit. The presence of cherry aphids may be evidenced by curled leaves covered with a sticky coating. As the aphids feed, they leave behind sticky honeydew that can later grow mold. Green fruitworms chew on leaves and web them together. But as these worms grow, they begin devouring the fruit.

Suds Away

• Insecticidal soap is extremely effective against aphids. Natural biodegradable soap spray is made by adding one to two drops of a natural biodegradable soap into a gallon of water. Avoid using detergents or soaps containing detergents. Detergents often contain chemicals that are not good for the environment. Most natural grocery stores carry natural liquid soaps. Be sure to spray the insect directly. For enhanced effectiveness, you can add a dash of hot pepper sauce or four to five drops of peppermint essential oil, therapeutic grade.

Natural Killer

• Neem oil is good for aphids, fruit flies and fruitworms. It was used by ancient Indians and is still one of the most powerful oils for use on pests. Neem oil contains around 50 natural insecticides, making one of the most potent natural insecticides and repellents you can use. It is also antifungal and can be used for fungal infections. Make your own neem spray by combining ½ teaspoon of neem oil and ½ teaspoon of natural liquid soap to 2 quarts of warm water. When using neem, wash the cherries well before consuming, especially if you are pregnant. Pick and discard any cherries containing maggots. Sticky traps are also effective for dealing with fruit flies.

Pest Poison

• Bacterium thuringiensis, or Bt as it is usually called, is a type of bacteria found in the stomach of certain caterpillars. To fruitworms, it is a stomach poison that keeps them from feeding and eventually paralyzes them. Another version of Bt is called MVP. MVP will stay active up to eight days and is effective against most worms. It can also be applied up to the day of harvest. Like the original Bt, it does not harm beneficial insects or the environment. Apply Bt late in the day where the worms will be feeding at night, namely on leaves and fruit. Be careful however, insects can build up an immunity to Bt, so use only when necessary.