Can Watermelon Have Worms

Watermelon can have worms, and while it’s not the most common thing in the world, it does happen more often than most people realize.
 
If you’ve ever cut into a perfectly ripe watermelon only to spot something wriggling inside, you’re probably wondering how worms got there in the first place.
 
The truth is that yes, watermelon can have worms, but it’s usually a sign of a pest problem that started while the fruit was still growing on the vine.
 
In this post, we’ll look at why watermelon can have worms, what types of worms show up, and what you should do if you find them.
 

Why Watermelon Can Have Worms

Watermelon can have worms because the fruit is a favorite target for several types of insects that lay their eggs on or inside the rind.
 
Once those eggs hatch, the larvae—which look like small worms—feed on the sweet, watery flesh inside.
 
Here are the main reasons this happens:

1. Fruit Flies and Their Larvae

Fruit flies are one of the most common culprits behind watermelon having worms.
 
These tiny flies are drawn to the sugars in ripening watermelon, and they can lay eggs on the surface of the rind.
 
When the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow into the fruit and start feeding, which is why you sometimes find small white worms near the surface or just under the rind.
 
If a watermelon has been sitting out too long or has a crack in the skin, fruit flies will happily take advantage of that opening.
 

2. Pickleworm and Melonworm Infestations

Pickleworms and melonworms are two specific pests that commonly attack watermelon and other cucurbits.
 
These moths lay their eggs on the leaves and stems of the plant, and when the larvae hatch, they can tunnel into the fruit itself.
 
A watermelon with pickleworm damage often has visible holes and soft spots, and inside you might find the larvae still feeding.
 
This is more likely to happen in warm, humid climates where these pests thrive during the growing season.
 

3. Overripe or Damaged Fruit Attracts Pests

A watermelon that’s overripe or has been damaged during harvest is far more likely to have worms.
 
When the rind is cracked, bruised, or softening, it becomes an easy entry point for insects looking for a sugary meal.
 
That’s why watermelon that sits in the field too long or gets banged up during transport can end up with worms inside.
 
The same goes for watermelon stored at home for too long, especially if it’s been cut and left uncovered.
 

4. Poor Growing Conditions

Watermelon grown in unmanaged fields or gardens with heavy pest pressure is much more likely to have worms.
 
Without proper pest control, moths and flies can lay eggs freely, and the larvae have plenty of time to infest the fruit.
 
Even a healthy-looking watermelon can be hiding worms if the plant wasn’t monitored closely during the growing season.
 
This is why commercial growers use row covers, traps, and other methods to keep watermelon free from worm problems.
 

How to Tell If a Watermelon Has Worms

It’s not always obvious from the outside whether a watermelon has worms, but there are a few signs worth checking.
 
Look for small holes in the rind, especially near the blossom end or where the fruit touched the ground.
 
Soft, mushy spots, brown discoloration, or a sour smell are also red flags that something might be living inside.
 
When you cut the watermelon open, check near the rind and around any cracks—that’s where larvae tend to hang out.
 
If you see small white or cream-colored worms moving, that’s a clear confirmation that your watermelon has worms.
 

What to Do If Your Watermelon Has Worms

If you cut into a watermelon and find worms, don’t panic—but don’t eat it either.
 
Any watermelon with visible worms or larvae should be thrown away, because the flesh may be contaminated with bacteria from the insects.
 
Even if you only see one or two worms, the fruit is no longer safe to eat or serve to anyone.
 
Wash your hands, clean the knife and cutting board thoroughly, and discard the watermelon in a sealed bag.
 
If you bought the watermelon from a store, you can often return it or get a refund, especially if you still have the receipt.
 
For future watermelons, store them in the refrigerator after cutting and use them within a few days to reduce the risk of pests.
 

Can You Prevent Watermelon From Having Worms?

You can’t always prevent watermelon from having worms, but you can lower the odds significantly.
 
Choose watermelons that are firm, unblemished, and free of cracks or soft spots.
 
Wash the outside of the watermelon before cutting so you don’t transfer anything from the rind to the flesh.
 
Refrigerate cut watermelon promptly and don’t leave it sitting out at room temperature for hours.
 
If you’re growing watermelon yourself, use row covers early in the season and inspect plants regularly for signs of pests.
 

So, Can Watermelon Have Worms?

Watermelon can have worms, and it usually happens because of fruit flies, pickleworms, melonworms, or other pests that lay eggs on or inside the fruit.
 
An overripe, damaged, or poorly managed watermelon is far more likely to end up with worms than a fresh, healthy one.
 
If you ever find worms in your watermelon, toss it out and don’t risk eating it.
 
With proper storage, careful selection, and a little vigilance, you can enjoy watermelon without worrying about worms.