I soaked my strawberries in salt water and these white things wriggled out?

The prevalence of SWD larvae in strawberries can vary widely depending on geographic location, climate, and the time of year. In regions where the SWD is well-established, such as parts of North America and Europe, infestations can be a significant challenge for both commercial growers and home gardeners alike.

Store-bought strawberries may also be affected, particularly if they are sourced from areas with known SWD populations. However, many commercial growers implement rigorous pest management strategies to minimize the impact of SWD and deliver clean, healthy fruit to consumers.

The SWD is known for its ability to lay eggs in ripening fruit rather than overripe or damaged fruit, which is typical of other fruit flies. Female SWD flies use their specialized ovipositors to puncture the skin of the fruit and deposit eggs just beneath the surface.