Codling moth can be a serious problem of apples, eating out the centre of the fruit, ruining it. As the old saying goes: What’s worse than finding a codling moth grub in your apple? Half a codling moth grub!
Description
The larvae, maggots, of the moth attack the fruit of apples and pears. The eggs are laid on the developing fruitlets just before, during or just after petal fall.
Symptoms
The codling moth larvae are pale pink and bury into apples and pears. They start to eat the middle of the fruit, then make an exit hole, drop onto the ground and pupate.
Treatment and control
Spray apples and pears with a suitable and approved insecticide spray in early to mid-June and repeat 14 days later.
