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How Codling Moths Threaten Your Fruit and How to Fight Back

edriane5

Updated: Jan 31




If you've ever been excited to harvest apples or pears from your trees only to discover tiny holes, browning flesh, or even fruit dropping prematurely, you may be dealing with codling moths. These small but destructive pests are a common enemy for fruit growers, and if left unchecked, they can ruin an entire season’s worth of produce. So, what exactly are codling moths, and how can you protect your fruit from their relentless appetite?

What Are Codling Moths and Why Are They a Problem?

Codling moths are small, grey-brown moths whose larvae cause significant damage to apple, pear, and even walnut trees. These moths lay their eggs on the fruit or leaves, and once the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow into the fruit to feed, causing visible holes and internal decay. The presence of just one codling moth larva inside an apple can render it completely inedible. Early fruit drop is another telltale sign of a codling moth infestation. 🐛🍏

For home gardeners and even small-scale growers, dealing with codling moths can be frustrating, as infestations can spread quickly and require consistent management throughout the growing season.

How to Identify Codling Moth Damage

  • Small Entry Holes: Look for tiny holes near the stem end of the fruit. These are made by the larvae as they enter the fruit to feed.

  • Premature Fruit Drop: Codling moth-infested fruit often falls off the tree before it’s ripe.

  • Browning Flesh: Inside the fruit, the flesh may become brown and mushy, especially around the core.

  • Frass (Insect Droppings): You might notice frass (sawdust-like excrement) near the holes, a clear sign that larvae are at work inside.

Fighting Codling Moths: Expert Advice from Peter Visser

In Spring Season 2, Episode 5 of our podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Peter Visser from Key Industries. As a leading expert in pest management, Peter shared practical solutions for home gardeners to protect their fruit trees from codling moth infestations.

Here are some key takeaways from our conversation with Peter:

1. Monitor and Set Traps

  • Regular monitoring of your trees for signs of codling moth activity is crucial. Peter recommends using pheromone traps to attract and catch adult male moths, which helps reduce the number of eggs being laid.

  • These traps not only capture moths but also allow you to gauge the level of infestation, so you know when additional treatments may be necessary.

2. Apply Targeted Sprays

  • Timing is everything! Peter advises applying Madex 3 at the right stage of the moth’s lifecycle—after the eggs have hatched but before the larvae have a chance to burrow into the fruit.

  • Then ensure weekly applications.

3. Cultural Controls

  • Pruning your trees to allow good airflow and sunlight penetration can help make your garden less hospitable to codling moths.

  • Peter also highlighted the importance of cleaning up fallen fruit and debris around your trees, as this is where larvae often overwinter and emerge in the spring.



By staying proactive and informed, you’ll be well on your way to protecting your apples, pears, and other fruit trees from these unwelcome guests. Happy gardening!

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