What are Codling Moths?
The moths are grey with brown bands and bronze markings.
They tend to crawl up tree trunks when they hatch from their cocoons rather than fly.
How to identify codling moth damage
Evidence of infected fruit is the tiny brown holes on the skin and the black poo trails going from the skin to the core. Make sure to remove any infected fruit and destroy.
What is the lifecycle of the codling moth?
The codling moth lifecycle comprises:
Egg stage
Egg stage in spring.The moth lays its eggs on leaves and immature fruit as flowering finishes.
Larval stage
Larval stage in spring and summer where small caterpillars begin eating the leaves and tunneling into developing fruit.
An application of Dipel or Eco oil is an effective remedy at caterpillar stage.
Pupal stage
Pupal stage, where the caterpillars leave the fruit in late summer and create a cocoon in winter.
Adult stage
Adult stage, where the cycle begins again as the moths are born.
How to prevent codling moths
Prevention includes a combination of pheromones and sticky traps, good orchard hygiene, and bait traps.
For those eggs that do hatch, apply Dipel.
