Organically Controlling Codling Moth: Spring, Summer, and Fall

The codling moth is gray-brown in color, with dark brown markings on forewings that appear lacy. The dark brown markings also appear on the fringed back wings too. In addition there is a dark brown edging on all its wings.

The codling moth lays its white flat eggs on tree twigs as well as the upper portion of leaves. A single egg is usually laid and the eggs hatch within 6 to 20 days time. Larva of these fruit and nut moths are rather large, approximately 1-inch in length. The larva has a brown head and is white but tinged with pink.

Codling Moth Signs

Codling moths have a voracious appetite. Larvae of the moth tunnel in and out of the fruit of apples, apricots, cherries, peaches and pears, as well as English walnuts and almonds. This tunneling results in brown fecal material being left at the core of the fruit, if opened and inspected. However, a brown mound is also visible at the hole opening on the fruit too. You may also notice cocoons in the tree's bark crevices as well.

Codling Moths and Organic Control in the Spring

Woodpeckers are your best organic friend when fighting codling moths. Lure them to your trees with a single suet ball for each tree you have in the yard. In the spring you can combine actions to double-team your efforts against this pesky fruit and nut destroyer.

First, scrape off any loose or rough bark from your tree's trunk and limbs. Aslo seal any pruning wounds, prohibiting the codling moths from entering those crevices. If you catch any codling moth scrapings as you do this, you need to be sure to destroy them. Apply a horticulture type spray, then, before your buds open. You will need to cover the entire tree surface with the oil. In addition, hang two tree traps per tree, and easily purchased from hardware stores, as high in susceptible trees as possible before any sign of this pest (around March).

Codling Moths and Organic Control in the Summer

Prevention is the keyword for organic control in the spring of the year, while sanitation is the byword in organically controlling codling moth in the summer months. Six to eight weeks after the trees have bloomed, start looking for any evidence of coddling moths. Blooms usually take place through the end of April so towards the end of June is a good time to start checking for later-blooming trees.

If no infestation or sign of coddling moth exists then, keep checking back every week or two to make sure none is emerging later. Immediate removal and destruction of coddling moth insect infestation is key to preventing the spread of this pest; a pest that spreads quickly if not removed. Removing infested-looking fruit from the tree is a priority. This may include removing fruit right next to it, if it was touching and could have infestation too. Thinning out fruit will only serve to make remaining fruit larger anyway. Infested fruit that has made it to the soil's surface indicates a problem to expect again the next season, but quickly remove it anyway too.

Codling Moths and Organic Control in the Fall

Depending upon type and location, some trees still have fruit and nuts on them at the end of the summer. Organically controlling into the fall season will be the same as the summer: sanitation and destruction of infested fruit. One way to prohibit the spread of coddling moth if infestation has begun to make the rounds, however, is to bag fruit individually. Bagging the fruit is an organic control that can be time consuming and may not lend itself to feasibility if the trees are large and there are more than one. However, orchards may elect this option to reduce financial loss of crop.

Sources:

"The Gardener's A-Z Guide to Growing Food Organically" by Tanya L.K. Denckla
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources: Coddling Moth

Other Related 'Organically Controlling' Articles Include:

Organically Controlling Apple Maggots
Organically Controlling Aphids on Fruits