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Yes, watermelon can have worms, and it’s more common than you might think.
If you’ve ever cut into a juicy watermelon and spotted something wriggling, you’re probably wondering: can watermelon have worms?
The short answer is yes, watermelon can have worms, but the good news is that it’s usually not a reason to panic.
In this post, we’ll explore why watermelon can have worms, what types of worms show up in watermelon, and how to tell whether your watermelon is still safe to enjoy.
Let’s dig in.
Why Watermelon Can Have Worms
Watermelon can have worms for several reasons, and most of them come down to how the fruit was grown, harvested, or stored.
Here’s a closer look at why this happens.
1. Fruit Flies Lay Eggs on the Rind
One of the most common reasons watermelon can have worms is fruit flies.
These tiny pests love ripe, sugary produce, and a watermelon sitting out on your counter is basically an open invitation.
Fruit flies lay eggs on the surface of the rind, and when those eggs hatch, the larvae burrow into the fruit.
This is why you’ll sometimes find small white worms near the surface or just under the rind of a watermelon.
2. Field Pests During Growing Season
Watermelon can also get worms while it’s still growing in the field.
Insects like cucumber beetles and melon worms can lay eggs on the developing fruit.
When the larvae hatch, they feed on the watermelon, sometimes leaving visible entry holes.
If you notice small holes or soft spots on your watermelon, that’s often a sign worms got in before it was picked.
3. Overripe or Damaged Fruit Attracts Worms
The riper and sweeter a watermelon gets, the more attractive it becomes to worms and insects.
Once a watermelon is overripe or has a crack or bruise in the rind, it becomes an easy target.
That’s why watermelon that’s been sitting out too long or was damaged during transport is more likely to have worms.
What Kind of Worms Can Watermelon Have?
Not all worms found in watermelon are the same, so it helps to know what you’re actually dealing with.
1. Fruit Fly Larvae
These are the most common worms you’ll find in watermelon.
They’re small, white, and usually found near the surface where the eggs were laid.
Fruit fly larvae are harmless if accidentally eaten, but they’re definitely not appetizing.
2. Melon Worms (Pickleworms)
Melon worms are the larvae of a type of moth, and they’re a common field pest for watermelon and other cucurbits.
They’re usually green and can burrow deep into the fruit, making them harder to spot.
3. Cutworms and Other Soil Pests
Sometimes worms end up on watermelon because they came from the soil.
Cutworms and similar pests can crawl onto low-hanging watermelon and chew through the rind.
These are less common in store-bought watermelon but more likely in homegrown ones.
Is Watermelon With Worms Safe to Eat?
Watermelon with worms is usually still safe to eat as long as you remove the affected parts.
The worms themselves aren’t toxic, and they won’t make you sick if you accidentally eat one.
However, the bigger concern is bacteria.
Worms can introduce bacteria into the fruit, and if the watermelon has been sitting for a while, that bacteria can multiply.
So if you find worms in your watermelon, cut away the affected areas and inspect the rest carefully.
If the flesh looks mushy, smells off, or has dark spots, it’s best to toss the whole thing.
And if you’re squeamish about it, there’s no shame in just throwing the watermelon out.
How to Prevent Worms in Watermelon
You can reduce the chances of watermelon having worms by storing it properly and inspecting it before you buy.
Keep watermelon in the fridge once it’s cut, and don’t leave it sitting out for long periods.
When buying watermelon, look for firm, unblemished rinds with no soft spots or holes.
And if you grow watermelon at home, use row covers and check the fruit regularly for signs of pests.
So, Can Watermelon Have Worms?
Watermelon can have worms, and it happens more often than most people realize.
The worms are usually fruit fly larvae or field pests like melon worms, and they’re not dangerous on their own.
But because worms can introduce bacteria, it’s smart to inspect your watermelon carefully and cut away any affected areas.
If the rest of the fruit looks and smells fine, you can still enjoy it.
If not, toss it and grab a fresh one.
Hope this post has helped you understand why watermelon can have worms and how to handle it safely.