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Pest SolutionsPESTS + WEEDSUSING PESTICIDES OR HERBICIDES?
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Codling Moth
Cydia pomonella
Updated Oct 10, 2024
Make a Positive Identification
- Codling moth is the most serious pest of apples in the PNW.
- Codling moth larvae burrow into fruits, where they eat the core and seeds.
- They make the fruit unusable.
Species: Codling Moth
"codling moth adult" by Mark Dreiling, Bugwood.org
Adult moths are ½ to 3/4 inch long. They hold their wings tent-like over their body. The wings show alternating gray and white bands, with a copper band on the wing tips. They blend with tree bark and are difficult to detect.
There can be two generations per year.
Species: Codling Moth Larvae
"codling moth damage" by Ward Upham, Kansas State University, Bugwood.org
Mature larvae are about 3/4" long. They are white to light pink, with brown heads.
Larvae bore to the core of the fruit. There they feed in the seed cavity.
The fruit appears dirty brown or rotted in the center when cut open.
Species: Codling Moth Frass
Eugene E. Nelson, Bugwood.org
Entry holes may be anywhere on the fruit. Brown, crumbly frass (droppings) extrudes from holes on the fruit surface.
Stings are shallow depressions where feeding occurred and stopped.
Take Action?
Codling moth larvae can damage up to 90% of the fruits on a tree, making the apples unusable.
Do I need to take action?
You should take steps to control codling moth. The best management comes from a combination of actions. No single method provides 100% control.
What if I do nothing?
If uncontrolled, codling moth larvae can damage up to 90% of a crop. They can also disperse and infect other apple and pear trees.
Prevent Codling Moth
"orchard apple" by gafisher is licensed under Pixabay license
Plant Apples on Dwarfing Rootstock
- Grow apples grafted onto dwarfing rootstock. Maintain height at less than 10 feet. The small size will make it easier to manage codling moth.
- Select early-maturing varieties of apples to avoid a third generation of codling moth.
"orchard-cut-down" by JeremyOK is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
Search Out and Remove Sources and Hiding Places of Codling Moth in the Area
- Look for other codling moth sources in your home landscape. If possible, remove any infested trees of these kinds: apple, crabapple, pear, ornamental pear, large-fruited hawthorn, or quince.
- Remove host trees in nearby abandoned orchards.
- Remove loose bark to eliminate possible hiding places for cocoons.
- Remove brush, debris, and culled fruit from orchards in late summer.
- Remove props, picking bins, and fruit piles from the orchard.
Solutions for Apple Codling Moth
Non-chemical Methods
- Begin early in the season with non-chemical methods. These include thinning fruits and bagging non-infested fruit.
- Scout regularly; remove and destroy infested fruit.
- Band trunks to catch larvae.
- It is easier to manage small numbers than a large well-established population.
- Use both non-chemical and low toxicity chemical methods for best results.
Chemical methods
- For severe infestations insecticide applications may be required.
NEED HELP?
Consider a licensed pest control company. Learn How to Hire a Pest Control Company.
Your local Extension Specialist in Oregon and other states can suggest other methods.
Jump to
| Method | Does it work? | Is it safe? | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
A Bag Uninfested Fruit |
Very effective |
Low risk |
Recommended |
B Destroy Infested Fruit |
Effective |
Low risk |
Recommended |
C Banding: Wrap Trunk |
Somewhat effective |
Low risk |
Recommended |
D Control with Insecticides |
Effective |
Moderate risk |
Recommended |
|
E If Using Insecticides, Protect Yourself & Minimize Risks
|
A
Bag Uninfested Fruit
Non-Chemical Method
"Tree Filters" by Majorbonnet is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Bag Uninfested Fruit
Recommended
Bag fruit before adult moths emerge in the spring
- Thin fruits early in the season. Larvae are more likely to enter fruit where they touch.
- Place bags on UNINFESTED fruit 4-6 weeks after petal fall. The fruit should be from 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter. Single fruits, or clusters thinned to one fruit may be bagged. Leave bags on for the entire growing season.
- Cultivars with short fruit stems may be more difficult to bag.
- Bagging is most convenient when the fruit is easily reachable. If fruit is not bagged because it is hard to reach, it can serve as a host and increase the pest population. Prune trees to reachable size or grow dwarf trees to allow all fruits to be bagged.
- To improve fruit color, remove bags about 3 weeks before harvest. This may allow exposed fruit to be attacked by second-generation adults.
| Does it work? | Very effective Bagging is a very effective method of codling moth control control. |
| How much effort? | High effort Bagging fruit is time-consuming, especially on tall trees and trees with a lot of fruit. |
| What's the risk? | Low risk |
| Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals | NONE |
B
Destroy Infested Fruit
Non-Chemical Method
Destroy Infested Fruit
Recommended
Destroy infested fruit
- Scout regularly from late May to fruit harvest. Watch for frass-filled holes.
- Pick off and destroy infested fruit. Clean up dropped fruits as soon as possible after they fall.
- It is important to destroy the fruit before the larvae emerge. Crush infested fruit, or place in a plastic bag. Leave bag in hot sun for a week.
- Do not compost infested fruit. The larvae will leave the infested fruit to pupate in the soil.
| Does it work? | Effective |
| How much effort? | Moderate effort |
| What's the risk? | Low risk |
| Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals | NONE |
C
Banding: Wrap Trunk
Non-Chemical Method
Signe Danler, Oregon State University
Banding: Wrap Trunk
Recommended
- Wrap trunk with corrugated cardboard or burlap to attract migrating larvae.
- Remove the wraps regularly and destroy cocooning larvae.
- Banding works best on smooth-barked varieties.
| Does it work? | Somewhat effective Banding will control only a very small percentage of codling moth. |
| How much effort? | Moderate effort |
| What's the risk? | Low risk |
| Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals | NONE |
D
Control with Insecticides
Chemical Method: Use with caution
iStock
Control with Insecticides
Recommended
- Insecticides can effectively prevent codling moth when used according to label directions.
- If you choose to use insecticides, also use monitoring and prevention.
- Insecticides can also have an impact on beneficial insects such as bees and natural enemies.
| Does it work? | Effective |
| How much effort? | Moderate effort |
| What's the risk? | Moderate risk Using insecticides comes with real risks. ALWAYS read the entire label front to back. Review instructions even for brands you know. |
| Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals | El uso de insecticidas conlleva cierto grado de riesgo. El riesgo más bajo se presenta con el uso de métodos alternativos. You may be exposed to an insecticide if you:
Follow directions closely to reduce risk. |
Some insecticides are available for home use. A few are listed below. These active ingredients are suggested chemical treatments to control apple codling moth. Look for these chemical names in the “Active Ingredients” section of product labels.
- Mineral oil (Note the time of application for effective control.)
- Dodecadien-1-OL (pheromone)
- Neem extract (Azadirachtin) Some formulations are OMRI-listed for organic use.
- Kaolin clay (OMRI-listed for organic use.)
- Spinosad (A biological product made from a naturally occurring bacterium.) Some formulations are OMRI-listed for organic use.
- Permethrin
Suggested active ingredients are from the Pesticide Information Center Online (PICOL) Database. They are permitted for HOME use in Oregon. Read the label for application directions and effectiveness information.
ONLY professional pesticide applicators can use Restricted-Use Pesticides (RUP) that may be more effective. If you need further support, contact a licensed pesticide applicator.
Insecticide Application Tips
- Proper timing of insecticide sprays is critical for them to be effective against codling moth. Once the larvae has entered the fruit, it is protected from insecticides.
- Apply insecticides about 10 days after all the petals have fallen. This will target hatching eggs or young larvae.
- Read the label carefully for application and frequency details.
- Some insecticides are highly toxic to bees. Do not spray onto blooming crops. Do not allow to drift onto blooming crops or weeds when bees are active.
- Using insecticides comes with real risks. ALWAYS read the entire label front to back. Review instructions even for brands you know.
If Using Insecticides, Protect Yourself & Minimize Risks
Chemical Method: Use with Caution
Weston Miller, Oregon State University
Why Is It Important to Read Insecticide Product Labels?
- They have detailed information on how to use the product correctly and legally.
- They contain information on potential hazards of the product.
- They provide instructions you should follow for poisonings and spills.
- Following label instructions helps you to minimize the risks and maximize the benefits.
Key Insecticide Safety Tips
- Read the entire label front to back.
- Follow the instructions.
- Review the instructions even for brands you know.
- Only apply the product where the label says it can be applied.
- Keep all insecticides in their original container.
The Label is the Law
ALWAYS read the label before using insecticide products. The label is a legal document that provides information on how to safely use the insecticide. This helps avoid harm to human health and the environment. Using an insecticide in off-label ways is illegal. It can result in legal enforcement actions.
READ THE LABEL & Follow Instructions
It has instructions to protect you and the environment.
- Labels are different for every product and they often change over time.
- Use a magnifying glass for small print.
- Pay attention to CAUTION, WARNING, and DANGER statements.
- Pay attention to the PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS.
- The law states you must read and follow insecticide instructions.
Protect Yourself
Eye, skin, & lung irritants
- Wear gloves, safety glasses, a long-sleeve shirt, pants, socks, and shoes.
- Avoid contact with eyes, skin, or clothing.
- Wash hands after mixing or applying, and before eating or smoking.
- Never spray directly overhead. Pay attention to wind conditions.
Protect Children & Pets
Keep out of the reach of children.
- Keep children and pets away from the application area.
- Remove toys and pet dishes from the area before applying insecticides. Wait until spray has dried or dust has settled.
Protect Pollinators
Many insecticides are extremely toxic to bees.
- Honey bees and other pollinators are harmed by most insecticides.
- Don’t spray on bees or other flying insects.
- Don’t allow spray to contact blooming plants.
Storage & Disposal
- Store out of the reach of children and pets.
- Store in a cool and dry place.
- Never pour down any drain.
- If you mix too much, apply it rather than storing it.
- Don’t put pesticide containers in the trash unless instructed by the label.
- Take unused insecticides to a hazardous waste facility.
Call 1-800-CLEANUP (1-800-253-2687) to find out where to dispose of pesticides.
For the Portland metro region in Oregon, contact Metro’s Recycling Information. Call 503-234-3000, email or visit Metro’s website
More about:
Avoid Wet Weather & Keep Insecticides Out of Waterways
Some insecticides are toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates.
- Don’t spray insecticides in water.
- Insecticides sprayed on plants can wash off with rain and enter waterways.
About Using Pesticides on School Grounds in Oregon
If using pesticides on school grounds, there are special rules in Oregon. See School Integrated Pest Management (Oregon Department of Agriculture).
NEED HELP?
The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) can answer questions about pest control chemicals.
1-800-858-7378 or npic@ace.orst.edu
Consider using a licensed pest or weed control company. Learn How to Hire a Pest Control Company.
Your local Extension Specialist in Oregon and other states can suggest other methods.
Content provided by Signe Danler, Weston Miller, and Jeremiah Mann. Pesticide safety information edited by Kaci Buhl.
Peer reviewed by OSU Department of Horticulture.
CODLING MOTH REFERENCES
Apple - Codling Moth
PNW Pest Management Handbooks
Apple: Codling Moth
Washington State University Hortsense
Codling Moth
University of California IPM Program
Codling Moth Management Guidelines
University of California IPM Program
Codling Moth and Your Backyard Fruit Tree (PDF)
Washington State University Fact Sheet • FS120E
Managing diseases and insects in home orchards
Oregon State University Extension Service