Codling Moth
Tiny worms that turn your apples into their luxury home!
Physical characteristics
The adult codling moth (Cydia pomonella) is a small nocturnal moth with a wingspan of 15-20 mm. Forewings are grayish-brown with a characteristic dark spot at the tip. Caterpillars are pinkish-white with a brown head, up to 20 mm long.
Biology and behavior
They have 2-3 generations per year. Females lay eggs singly on leaves or fruits. Hatched caterpillars penetrate the fruits, where they feed and develop. They overwinter as fully developed caterpillars in cocoons under tree bark.
Harm
Codling moth caterpillars are a major pest of apples and pears. They tunnel into fruits, causing significant economic losses. Damaged fruits become unfit for consumption and storage. Even minor damage can reduce the market value of fruits.
What you can do
Use pheromone traps to monitor adults. Apply sanitary measures, including collecting and destroying fallen and damaged fruits. Place corrugated bands around trunks to trap caterpillars seeking pupation sites. Use resistant varieties when possible.
Professional control
Our approach includes integrated pest management. We conduct precise monitoring with pheromone traps and forecasting models. We apply targeted insecticide treatments during critical phases of pest development. We use biological control methods, including introducing egg parasitoids. We apply mating disruption techniques using pheromones. We develop personalized control programs tailored to the specific orchard and local conditions.