Is this a problem

[Darren]

Fig cutting

Norwind

 

[Darren]

Norwind

norland lol

 

[rayray]

@Darren based on where you are I’m not aware of a fly that should cause any real problems. Also, before ripening, the plant is full of so much latex that it puts off many bugs. Not all unfortunately. I’ve had Japanese beetles eat up leaves. Borers like ambrosia beetles usually only attack damaged and decaying wood. The time when protection becomes really important is when you start to have near ripe figs on the tree. Then the insects come… and once they know where the goodies are… they bring their friends

When you get closer to harvest keep a close watch out for wasps, ants, earwigs and the dreaded Asian lady beetle. They look very similar to ladybugs but they love figs.

Many of us here are heavily invested in this type of organza bag. When the figs begin to take on a good size we slip them on as we walk the trees. They don’t help much with raccoons but they do a very decent job of protecting from bugs and even birds

Amazon.com

I have a very aggressive type of paper wasp here that will try and chew through the bags if the fig is up against it. I try to set it on so the fig doesn’t touch the bag wall.

Yes, There Are Actually ‘Bad’ Ladybugs—Here's What to Do About Them

They can bite—and stain your furniture.

www.housebeautiful.com

Never heard of the Asian Lady Beetle...great lol. According to this article they sometimes travel in groups, and will bite if provoked! They have an "M" marking on their head just before the main body.

I suppose the good news is they do eat aphids and other bad insects--but apparently they do more damage than good.

Now I have to keep an eye out.

I've also run into black Lady Bugs, some that are solid black, some with spots that range in white, red to I can't remember but thought I ran into one that had yellow spots.