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codling moth suppression #862439

Asked March 25, 2024, 10:44 AM EDT

The number of apples damaged by codling moth last fall was so great I must do something to control them. I've read through control ideas from the UMN extension site. I'm intent on not using a pesticide if at all possible. Will homemade traps with vinegar, molasses, and ammonia help ? Will pheromone traps help? Spray with a horticulture oil at the proper time ? Spray a fine clay over the apples when they are very small to create a physical barrier ? Use CYD-X , granulosis virus, as a spray for the larvae ? Banding the trunk and smearing on the sticky petroleum product to capture the larvae ? Thanks for any direction you may be able to offer. Loren M

Todd County Minnesota

Expert Response

These questions are assigned randomly by a computer and your question is not my area of expertise. I have asked that it be reassigned to someone with more apple tree knowledge.  
Linda G Tenneson, Benton County EMG & TCA Replied March 25, 2024, 11:56 AM EDT

Hi Loren,

You've probably already seen the U of M site on coddling moths. Here it is again:

https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/codling-moths

I can't tell if you have an orchard or are growing apples as a hobby. For homeowners who  have just a few trees, physically excluding the insects is a good non-chemical solution.

Bagging apples works. I've done it myself. While it's time consuming on the day you bag, nothing else needs to be done until harvest. Bagging is usually done to keep apple maggots away but it works for other apple pests too.

You can use regular baggies. Snip the bottom corners to allow moisture to escape, thin the apples to one per clump, slip the bag over the fruit and press the seal closed. Staple on either side of the fruit stem to ensure the bag doesn't blow off. You do this before pests have time to damage the fruit, when the apples are about half- to three-quarters of an inch in diameter.

See the "how to protect your apples from apple maggot" link here:

https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/apple-maggot

The University of Montana has done studies on bagging entire trees. See here:

https://agresearch.montana.edu/warc/research_current/apples/apple_bagging_codling_moth_control.html

Hope this helps! Good luck.

MJ Replied March 25, 2024, 4:49 PM EDT

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