Andre CampbellYou’ve probably seen them before—those pesky codling moths that seem to invade your fruit trees every year. Well, you can get rid of them naturally without synthetic pesticides.
You can try many different natural methods, but we’ll focus on 16 of them. Keep reading for more information on controlling codling moths using natural remedies.
Identification
Codling moths can be a significant problem for apple and pear growers [1]. These pests lay eggs on the fruit or leaves, and when the larvae hatch, they burrow into the fruit, making it unmarketable.
The adult moths are easy to identify. They have a gray body and a 12 to 20 mm wingspan. The larvae are small, cream to pink in color, and have brown heads.
Codling moth eggs appear translucent at first and can be challenging to spot. You will find them on leaves and fruit.
How to Get Rid of Codling Moths Naturally
If you think you have a codling moth infestation, there are several natural ways to treat it.
One method is to place a band around apple tree trunks or other affected plants to help trap the moth larvae. Another is to pick off the infested fruit by hand.
Below is a comprehensive list of the different natural remedies you can try.
1. Beneficial Nematodes
You might be familiar with beneficial nematodes. These tiny creatures live in the soil and help control some garden pests.
Here’s a little more information about how they work:
Beneficial nematodes will enter the larvae of the codling moth and kill them. Best of all, these tiny creatures are non-toxic to plants, people, and pets and are 100% organic.
If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly way to deal with codling moths, beneficial nematodes may be your answer. Moreover, you can easily acquire them online or at some garden centers.
2. Moth Traps
Many types of moth traps are available, like this one and this one. They work by releasing a scent that attracts male moths. However, the most commonly used are those that use pheromones to attract the moths.
Pheromones are chemicals that mimic the scent of the female moth, which the male moth uses to find her. When the male moth detects the pheromone, it flies toward it and gets trapped in the trap.
Use these traps to lure the moths in and kill them. Once the moths are drawn in, they can’t escape and eventually die.
Alternatively, make some homemade codling moth traps. These traps can be used to catch male and female moths.
Take a gallon plastic milk jug and pour two cups of apple cider vinegar and half a cup of molasses into it. Add water to fill the rest of the jug.
Next, cut two holes in the jug to hang it up in a tree. Make more than one of these; you will need about three traps per tree.
3. Spinosad
Spinosad is an organic pesticide that effectively kills codling moths and other pests. It’s also non-toxic to people and pets, making it a safer option than many chemical pesticides.
You can use spinosad in several ways, including as a spray, dust, or pour-on. However, for the best results, follow the instructions on the label.
4. Kaolin Clay
Kaolin clay can be used directly on the fruit to create a barrier preventing codling moths from laying their eggs and eating the fruit.
This product also effectively repels other pests, such as thrips and Colorado potato beetles. Our recommended brand is Surround WP.
5. Birds
Birds can also be an effective organic codling moth control method that you can use.
Put up a bird feeder and fill it with seeds and nuts to attract birds to your garden or orchard. Many birds will happily fly in to eat these treats.
While they are in the area, some birds will also go after the moths and their eggs, helping to reduce the population in your yard and garden.
6. Trichogramma Wasps
These tiny parasitic wasps lay their eggs inside the eggs of moths. When the wasp larvae hatch, they kill the embryos of the moth eggs.
You can buy these tiny parasitic wasps or attract them with plants such as catnip, sage, and peppermint [2].
7. Pick Up and Discard Fallen Fruits
One of the simplest ways to help prevent codling moths from taking over is to pick up and discard fallen fruit. Doing so will limit the pests’ habitat.
8. Corrugated Cardboard Banding
One of the easiest ways to trap codling moths is to wrap corrugated cardboard around tree trunks. This method provides an attractive nesting spot for the larvae to spin their cocoons.
Once the cocoons are in place, remove the pieces of cardboard and destroy them.
9. Neem Oil
Neem oil has excellent properties, including being an effective insecticide, fungicide, and repellent.
You can buy the concentrate and apply it following the instructions. You can also buy pure neem oil and make a DIY codling moth spray.
To use neem oil for codling moths, combine one tablespoon of the oil, one teaspoon of liquid soap, and a gallon of water. Shake well and apply the mixture to the affected areas using a spray bottle.
The smell of neem oil spray will deter the moths. If sprayed directly, it will also smother and kill the eggs.
10. Fruit Bagging
Another simple but time-consuming home remedy for organically controlling codling moths is to bag each fruit. When the fruit is still green on the tree, put a bag over it.
However, once harvest nears, check the bag often to see the fruit. Once the fruit is ripe, you can pick it, wash it, and enjoy it as you like.
11. Pick Off Larvae and Cocoons
One of the first steps to tackling the problem is to pick off codling moth larvae and cocoons from the tree as soon as you see them.
Scrape off cocoons from tree bark, dispose of them in a sealed bag, or squish them. Also, larvae-infested fruits should be picked off and disposed of.
12. Clean-Up Orchard
It’s also essential to clean up your orchard after the codling moth infestation has been dealt with. Doing this will help eliminate any eggs that may have been left behind.
Removing infested fruits will also help to prevent future infestations.
13. Azera Gardening
Azera Gardening is an organic insecticide containing pyrethrins and azadirachtin, making it a top choice for natural pest control.
It’s also safe to use on fruit trees and other plants. It’s non-toxic and won’t harm the environment, your family, or your pets.
14. Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk)
You can also use Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk) to control the critters. This bacterium is deadly to caterpillar pests.
You can buy Btk in powder or liquid form, and it’s easy to use. Apply it according to the instructions in areas where you’ve seen these pests.
It will kill codling moth caterpillars that come into contact with it.
15. Arber Bio Insecticide
The Arber Bio Insecticide has an active ingredient that poisons these pests. It can be used on vegetables, fruit trees, tropical plants, and more.
Moreover, it works on both soil-dwelling and foliage-feeding pests.
16. Repellent Plants
A few plants also act as natural deterrents to codling moths. Plants that repel codling moths include tansy, nasturtiums, and lavender.
Planting these plants in the area can help minimize codling moth problems.
Takeaway
As you can see, several ways exist to protect your plants from codling moth damage. You can use traps, natural predators, or sprays.
Regardless of your chosen method, check your trees for signs of infestation.
Sasha Campbell
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