Codling Moth

What Are Codling Moths?

Codling Moths (Cydia pomonella) are small, brown coloured and are normally observed from May to July. There may also be a second generation of Codling Moths between August and October in warm summers. Adult moths fly at night during warm evenings. The moths will lay their eggs on, or near, developing fruit. These eggs hatch into small white larvae with brown heads. The larvae will feed on the fruit before vacating it in September. They will then crawl into the bark of a tree, or move to the base of the tree, to overwinter in the soil or plant debris around the base of the tree. The larvae pupate in the spring to form adult moths by May.

Codling Moth Infestation Signs & Symptoms

The Codling Moth larva can attack and damage Apples, Pears, Walnuts and Quinces. They will burrow into such fruit and feed inside it, leaving brown tunnels and exit holes.

How To Control Codling Moths

For many years gardeners had no real pest control products for the Codling Moth. The main treatment has been the use of Codling Moth Pheromone Traps to monitor and catch male codling moths. This provides an early warning of activity and helps reduce egg laying, as the male moths caught cannot mate with females. Now there is also a natural pest control that can used in conjunction with the traps. Codling Moth Killer Nematodes can be applied to the lower parts of the tree, and the soil at the base of the tree. These nematodes locate and kill the Codling Moth larvae when they are not in the fruit. Codling Moth Killer Nematodes should be applied in April and September and each pack will treat up to eight trees. Find our range of relevant products below.