Coddling Moth Pest Control

MY APPLES HAVE WORM HOLES IN THEM; WHAT CAUSES THIS?

This sounds like codling moth. It is the most important pest of apples in Washington. It feeds on apples, pears, English walnuts, quince, crabapples and hawthorns. Occasionally it attacks “stone fruits” like plums and peaches.

The larva eats its way into the center of the fruit and feeds on the seeds and core. Later it tunnels back out and leaves the fruit. You often can see debris (frass) around the exit hole.

WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT CODDLING MOTHS?

You can suppress pest populations with sanitation, by picking up and destroying any fruit that falls. You can still use the fruit by cutting away the infested parts. Any unused fruit should be taken to the dump or put in the garbage. Infested fruit should never be composted.

WHAT IF I DO THE SANITATION BUT STILL HAVE CODDLING MOTH PROBLEMS?

Control of this pest may require a pesticide application. WSU extension service recommendations are to treat at 10 days after the flower petals have fallen or 17-21 days after full bloom -- so timing is everything.

If you choose to treat, read the label. If you are on our regular tree and shrub program, the problem should be reduced, but complete control requires perfect timing.

WHAT IF I CAN’T TREAT THE CODDLING MOTHS MYSELF?

If you are interested in having your trees treated but don’t want to do it yourself, call us and one of our technicians will come out and advise you of what is needed and the cost.