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Past Articles Library | Organic Pest Control | Codling Moth

CODLING MOTH

Adults are gray-brown moths with wingspans of 3/4 inches long. Their wings have a fine coppery brown, wavy pattern, and the forewings are tipped with dark brown. Larvae are pinkish white with brown heads up to 3/4 inches long. Eggs are white disks. Codling moth is prevalent throughout North America.

LIFE CYCLE

Larvae overwinter in thick cocoons under bark or nearby litter. They pupate in the spring, and adults emerge when apple trees flower. Females lay eggs on foliage and fruit, usually on the upper surface of leaves. Eggs hatch in 1-3 weeks, and larvae chew their way into the fruit core, usually from the blossom end. They feed for 3-5 weeks, then crawl down the tree to pupate. Codling moth can have 2-3 generations per year, 5-8 weeks apart.

PLANTS MOST AFFECTED

Apples, crab apples, pear and occasionally other fruit. In many areas they can be the most damaging pest in apple and pear orchards.

DAMAGE

The larvae ruin the fruit by tunneling to the core. An infested apple has a hole (usually near the blossom end) filled with dark masses of castings. Damage may not be obvious until you cut the fruit open.

MEANS OF CONTROL

Home Remedy:

• 1 cup vinegar
• 1/3 cup dark molasses
• 1/8 tsp ammonia
• 4 2/3 cup water