Codling moths and winter moths can wreak havoc on fruit trees like apple, pear, and cherry. Luckily, there are simple, natural ways to stop them before they destroy your harvest. Here’s how to keep your trees healthy using traps, nematodes, tree wash, and glue bands.
What Are Codling Moths?
Codling moths are small, grey-brown moths. Their larvae (or maggots) burrow into fruit, leaving holes and brown mess inside. Left unchecked, they can ruin most of your crop.
Codling Moth Traps: Catch the Adults Early
Codling moth traps use pheromones to lure male moths, stopping them from mating and laying eggs.
How to use:
- Hang traps in late spring before moths appear
- Place them at head height on the shaded side of the tree
- Check weekly and replace the lure every 5 weeks
Codling Moth Nematodes: Kill Hidden Larvae
Codling moth nematodes are tiny, natural predators that kill codling moth larvae hiding in soil or bark. They’re safe for pets, kids, and helpful insects.
How to use:
- Mix with water and apply to soil and bark crevices
- Keep the area moist for 2 weeks
- Apply in early spring and again in autumn after harvest
Winter Tree Wash: Stop Eggs Before They Hatch
Winter moths lay eggs on tree bark that hatch in spring. Winter tree wash removes dirt and pests’ eggs using natural oils, helping prevent infestations.
How to use:
- Spray trunks and branches after leaves fall (autumn/winter)
- Use on apple, pear, cherry, plum, currant, and gooseberry trees
- Works physically—not chemically—so it’s safe for edible crops
Glue Bands: Block Crawling Pests
Glue bands stop insects like winter moths, ants, and vine weevils from climbing up trees to lay eggs.
How to use:
- Wrap around the trunk 45–60 cm above ground
- Secure with string and replace every 6 months
- Use from October to April for moths, and May to August for ants
Why Use All Four Methods?
Each product targets a different stage of the pest lifecycle:
- Traps catch adult moths
- Nematodes kill larvae and pupae in soil and bark
- Tree wash removes eggs and overwintering pests
- Glue bands stop crawling insects from laying eggs
Used together, they give your fruit trees full protection all year round.
Extra Tips for Healthier Trees
- Prune trees regularly and remove damaged fruit
- Clear fallen fruit to reduce pest hiding spots
- Encourage birds to visit—they love eating bugs!
With these simple steps, you can enjoy healthy, chemical-free fruit trees and better harvests year after year.