QUESTION: When should I put up my codling moth trap? When does the “season” for this pest start? Thanks
You should set your trap up in September and continue trapping and monitoring through to March. These dates may change slightly due to the local temperature in your area – but it shouldn’t vary too much
Some other info you may be interested in….Damage is caused by the codling moth larvae. The larva enters the fruit at any point on its surface, though more often through the exposed side. It tunnels to the seeds, which are eaten, and extensive damage is done in and around the core.
Not nice when you take a bite into that nice big juicy fruit!
QUESTION: This is the first time I have set up or used a Codling Moth trap. Can you please give me some “tips” on getting it right?
Sure can! Codling moths lay their eggs from late September to March, so make sure your traps are set up early to mid September and keep them going right through the season.
In low to average infestations, one easytrap Codling moth trap will provide effective control (trapping) and monitoring for 3 to 5 trees (within a 15 metre radius). If you have a heavy infestation of codling moth (or a larger area to control) you may want to set up more than 1 trap. In very heavy infestations you may need to use an insecticide.
To set up your trap, form the housing (“tent roof”) and place the sticky insert, sticky side up, on the base, or floor of the housing. The sticky base is what catches the codling moth when they are attracted to the trap by the pheromone lure.
Then, being sure not to touch the pheromone lure with your fingers (use tweezers or gloves), place the lure in the middle of the sticky insert. The reason you don’t want to touch the lure is that the actual pheromone is very sensitive and its effectiveness can be lessened if touched by human hands. The lure itself is poison free and odourless, and the pheromone is absorbed into the rubber, so don’t think it looks “empty” – it’s meant to look like that.
With the lure and sticky base in place, fold up the end flaps of the housing (this will ensure the sticky insert doesn’t slide out of the housing).
All that’s left to do now is to push the wire hanger through the top of the trap at the position of the dots and bend the wire over to secure it to the trap housing. All done!
Hang your trap approximately 1.5 metres above the ground, in the area you wish to protect (just choose one of your fruit trees). An area with a bit of ventilation is good as it will help disperse the pheromone and attract the male moths to the trap, where they will get stuck on the sticky insert – no male moths, no breeding and no eggs to damage your fruit!
Your pheromone lure will keep going strong for about 6 or 8 weeks, after which you can buy a replacement pack (see our easytrap Codling Moth Refill Kit, code ETCMR) and keep up your protection.
One last tip, dispose of the lure well away from your fruit trees – you don’t want to keep attracting them unless you are set up to trap them!
I hope this is of some help to you.
