How To Remove Worms From Walnuts

To remove worms from walnuts, you need a simple saltwater soak that forces these pests out of their hiding spots.
 
If you’ve ever cracked open a walnut only to find a tiny worm or moth larva inside, you’re not alone.
 
It’s a common problem, especially with homegrown or freshly harvested walnuts.
 
The good news is that removing worms from walnuts is easier than you might think.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to remove worms from walnuts, why they show up in the first place, and how to keep them from coming back.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

Why Worms Get Into Walnuts

Worms get into walnuts because certain pests lay their eggs on or near the developing nut.
 
When the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow inside to feed on the kernel.
 
Understanding this helps you remove worms from walnuts more effectively.
 
Here’s what’s usually going on:
 

1. Walnut Husk Fly

The walnut husk fly is one of the biggest culprits behind worms in walnuts.
 
These flies lay eggs in the soft husk of the walnut during the growing season.
 
Once the eggs hatch, the maggots tunnel through the husk and sometimes reach the shell.
 
That’s why you often find worms in walnuts that still have their husks attached.
 

2. Codling Moth Larvae

Codling moths are another common source of worms in walnuts.
 
These moths lay eggs near the nut, and the hatching larvae chew their way inside.
 
They leave behind brown frass and damaged kernels.
 
If you see small holes in the shell, that’s often a sign that moths have been at work.
 

3. Poor Storage Conditions

Sometimes worms in walnuts come from improper storage rather than the field.
 
Pantry moths and other insects can lay eggs on stored walnuts.
 
If the walnuts aren’t kept in airtight containers, larvae can hatch and infest the whole batch.
 
That’s why removing worms from walnuts starts with checking how you store them.
 

How to Remove Worms from Walnuts

Removing worms from walnuts is a straightforward process once you know the steps.
 
Here’s the most reliable method:
 

1. Soak Walnuts in Saltwater

The classic way to remove worms from walnuts is a saltwater soak.
 
Fill a large bucket or bowl with water and add a generous amount of salt.
 
A good ratio is about one cup of salt for every gallon of water.
 
Drop the walnuts in and let them soak for 12 to 24 hours.
 
The salt irritates the worms, forcing them to crawl out of the shells.
 
You’ll see them floating in the water or sinking to the bottom.
 

2. Rinse and Repeat

After the soak, scoop out the walnuts and rinse them thoroughly.
 
Use fresh water to wash away any remaining salt and loosened debris.
 
If you still spot worms, repeat the saltwater soak one more time.
 
This double-soak method is especially useful when removing worms from walnuts that are heavily infested.
 

3. Dry the Walnuts Completely

Once the worms are gone, spread the walnuts out in a single layer to dry.
 
Good airflow is key, so use a screen, tray, or clean towel in a well-ventilated area.
 
Let them dry for several days until the shells feel completely dry to the touch.
 
Proper drying prevents mold and makes the walnuts safe for long-term storage.
 

Tips to Prevent Worms in Walnuts

Preventing worms in walnuts is just as important as removing them.
 
Here are a few habits that make a big difference:
 

1. Harvest at the Right Time

Pick walnuts as soon as the husks begin to split.
 
Leaving them on the ground too long gives pests more time to move in.
 
Collect fallen walnuts daily during harvest season.
 

2. Remove Husks Quickly

Husks are where many worms start their journey into the nut.
 
Remove the husks as soon as possible after harvesting.
 
Compost or discard the husks far from your drying area to avoid reinfestation.
 

3. Store Walnuts Properly

Keep shelled and unshelled walnuts in airtight containers.
 
Store them in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.
 
This simple step goes a long way toward keeping worms out of your walnuts.
 

So, How Do You Remove Worms from Walnuts?

To remove worms from walnuts, soak them in saltwater, rinse thoroughly, and dry them completely.
 
It’s a simple process that saves your harvest and keeps your walnuts safe to eat.
 
With the right harvesting and storage habits, you can prevent worms from getting into walnuts in the first place.
 
Hope this post has helped you learn how to remove worms from walnuts so you can enjoy a clean, pest-free batch every time.