I have lived in Roseburg for 30 years, where this used to be all pear orchard years prior. I have one large pear tree from that period that bears over 2000 pears annually. Besides many being worm infested, as a whole, the pears are very healthy looking. Many do not have worms.
None of the pears have ever ripened for eating, despite picking them at different times and putting them in the dark or in the light. The pears vary in shape, some looking like bartlet, but most appear to be more like palatine. They start dropping off the tree in late July. I have tried ripening both the fallen pears and pears that I pick. I have eaten green pears, which of course are quite hard yet tasty to me. I would love to be able to harvest pears that will ripen. What are your suggestions?
I suggest that you try thinning the fruit from the tree in late May or early June. Thin to one pear per spur, and every other spur should have no pears. This makes it easier for the tree to put the necessary energy into each pear. Don't leave any clusters of fruit. Then to eliminate the codling moth worms make one spray with Spinosad in late May, one in late June, and one in late July before picking. If the pears stay on the tree longer make a spray in August too.
I think because of the heavy set you allow on the tree, the excess fruit starts falling early in July. Most pears are best left on the tree into September or October. Once you pick the fruit put them in a cold place, ideally a refrigerator for a month or two. Winter pears all need a cold spell to ripen properly. After being in the refrigerator take a few out and leave them at house temperature when you want them to soften. This usually helps winter pears to soften more uniformly.
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