Glue/grease bands are ideal for protecting fruit trees especially apple, plum, pear and cherry from winter moth caterpillars.
These caterpillars can feed on fruit buds and reduce the amount of fruit produced.
Glue bands do not protect against codling moth or plum moth (the major cause of maggots in apples and plums) as these moths have winged females and are active midsummer when night temperatures are above
Several winter moths have wingless females which, after emerging from the soil, climb the tree to mate and lay their eggs. The caterpillars of these moths eat the leaves of many deciduous trees and shrubs during late March to early June
The glue bands trap these wingless females before they reach the branches and lay eggs. Winter moth is the most troublesome of these moths, it emerges as adults during November to mid-January
When To Put Up Grease/Glue Bands
It is important to time the fitting correctly so that it protects your tree from the winter moth;
Glue should be placed on trunks and tree stakes about 45cm (18in) above soil level in October, before the adult moths emerge in November
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October to April: Apply glue bands to protect against winter moths.
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May to August: Use them to prevent ants and vine weevils from reaching the tree
How to Apply Glue Bands to Fruit Trees
Follow these simple steps to apply the bands correctly:
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Clean the Trunk
Remove any loose bark, moss, or lichen from around the tree trunk about 45–60cm (18–24in) above soil level. -
Measure and Cut the Band
Cut a piece of glue band about 3cm longer than the circumference of the tree or stake. -
Wrap the Band Around the Trunk
Peel off the backing paper and wrap the band tightly around the tree trunk. -
Secure with String
Tie a piece of string around the middle of the band to keep it in place. The extra 3cm of adhesive will help hold the band secure. -
Check for Contact
Make sure the band is in full contact with the bark all the way around the trunk to prevent pests from slipping underneath.