Abstract  [Aim]  To determine the effect of low temperature storage on Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) eggs and larvae in Nanfeng tangerines, and on the soluble sugar and titratable acid levels of tangerines. [Methods]  Tangerines that were infested with B. dorsalis eggs and larvae and non-infested tangerines were stored in a low temperature storage facility at 3 and 5 ℃, after which the mortality rate of B. dorsalis, and the soluble sugar and titratable acid levels of the tangerines were measured after different storage durations. [Results]  2nd and 3rd instar larvae of B. dorsalis were more resistant to storage at 3 or 5 ℃ than eggs or 1st instar larvae. Mortality of eggs and larvae increased with storage time. At 3 ℃, tangerines had to be stored for 2.37-3.15 days to kill 50% of eggs and larvae, and for 11 days to achieve 100% mortality. At 5 ℃, tangerines had to be stored for 3.07-3.87 days to achieve 50% mortality, and for 13 days to achieve 100% mortality. Over time, the weight loss and soluble sugar content of non-infested tangerines increased, but the titratable acid content declined. After storage at 3 or 5 ℃ for 13 days tangerines had no signs of frost bite, high soluble sugar content (16.65% at 3 ℃ and 17.03% at 5 ℃), but low titratable acid content (1.18% at 3 ℃ and 1.16% at 5 ℃). [Conclusion]  Storing Nanfeng tangerines at 3 and 5 ℃ for 13 days killed 100% of B. dorsalis eggs and larvae without adversely affecting fruit quality.