This is a Pear and Cherry slug (Sawfly Larvae) Easily controllled with a twice yearly dusting of woodash or lime all over the plant - spring and Late summer/autumn See this helpful video: https://youtu.be/PXyPjvHRzNA?si=F_mfYnirV42dQz_f

PBL I'd be sure of its identification before killing it. Many small fly-like critters are garden pollinators (urgently needed because of honeybee die-offs) and even pest-killers. I won't even try to identify it for you since you live in California, but if you have a camera and can grab a picture of it, that would be helpful. Insects are the largest class of life on earth and there are hundreds of thousands of them. Another great site for insect-identification is "What's That Bug?", though it can certainly take time to find what you've got. But the pictures at the site are absolutely great. The subcategories of insects is in the left hand column, and there's one for flies. Here is a link that might be useful: What's That Bug?

From what I've read, some Thrip's are better than others, like some will eat Spider Mites. But ultimately you don't want them in your house. They are tough SOB's though, 100% Rubbing Alchohol didn't even kill them instantly. I've now added to my arsenal... They are attracted to the color Blue (they make Blue sticky traps), but I made my own w/ Blue painter's tape. I also read that you can put Vanilla extract on cotton balls, Thrip's are attracted to the scent, crawl inside, and cannot extricate themselves. After being quarantined to the bathroom (w/ or w/o light) for a week, it was treated and repotted, and continues to push new growth. I think I'll spray one more time tomorrow, and see how she goes.:-) Rob

Thanks all. I went back and looked for something like these, but instead found only VERY tiny pale whitish green bugs clinging to the undersides of the leaves...even smaller than aphids, or at least the aphids I'm used to seeing. I didn't even try to take a photo because I doubt my camera would focus on them. I sprayed them with soapy water and haven't seen any that appear to be alive since. I'll keep checking though...