in a pear tree

We're still new to this whole fruit tree thing. Sadly, most of the pears on our pear tree were eaten by bugs (and possibly birds, squirrels and raccoons). Quite a few of them fell to the ground in an over-ripe state and were quickly swarmed by yellow-jackets.

I was able to retrieve one perfect pear. I ate it today and it was THE BEST pear I've ever had. Next year I'd like to try some sort of environmentally safe insect spray. Any suggestions? It needs to be safe to use around dogs, of course.

{ photos by: ME }