Knowledgebase

2021 spring codling moth spray duration #752769

Asked May 28, 2021, 5:32 PM EDT

I have sprayed my apples and pears from mid-bloom to now with Captain Jack's Deadbug at ~ 10 day intervals (May 10, 21 and 30). Does this sound adequate to control codling moth? For how long should I continue? (All the way through June, or beyond?) Other advice?

Benton County Oregon

Expert Response

Thanks for reaching out. 

Here is some information from one of our Master Gardener volunteers who tracks codling moth in Benton County. Your May sprays were a little early so try to catch the timing of the June sprays mentioned. Horticulture oil can be used but definitely NOT when it is hot like it is right now as plants can be damaged. :

"Codling moth adults have been caught in pheromone traps in mid to late April. One of our group who lives in North Albany trapped his first moths on April 19. OSU reported captures about the same time in the north valley and on April 28 in the Eugene area.
Using the North Albany start date and weather data from that area (probably the Hyslop field station on Highway 20), 3% egg hatch should occur around May 23, 20% hatch on June 5, and 50% hatch on June 17.
Using the later “biofix” (or date of first capture) of April 28 and weather data from the south Philomath area not too far from me and at a somewhat higher elevation, 3% hatch is expected on May 28, 20% on June 9, and 50% on June 21.
Not a big variation in hatching this year, which should make it easier to spray at appropriate times. The strategy is to target the larvae at the 20% and 50% hatch dates with an insecticide that should stay active for several days. I have used spinosad for these sprays. A horticultural oil spray can be effective at smothering the eggs, so a spray at the 3% date could be done. Since the oil also has anti-fungal properties, I will be adding this early oil spray this year to target powdery mildew, which is a problem on my Gravenstein, Jonagold, Newtown, and Spitzenberg, then follow up with spinosad for the later sprays.
The main aim of this round of sprays is to reduce the size of the second, summer generation of moth, which is often more damaging. 
You can read more about codling moth, including other acceptable insecticides for home use (ignore the commercial recommendations!) at:
https://pnwhandbooks.org/insect/tree-fruit/apple/apple-codling-moth"

If you would like to be added to this Master Gardeners email list (sends a few timely spray reminders during the growing season), then please send your name and address to me and I'll pass it along <personal data hidden>

Take care,

Loading ...