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.
Luckily, there are many natural and organic methods to help reduce codling moth populations. Below are 16 effective options to consider.
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 wingspan of 12 to 20 mm. The larvae are small, cream- to pink-colored, 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.
Codling moth larvae are often called ‘apple worms’ because they tunnel through developing fruit. These larvae can infest apples, pears, walnuts, quince, and several other fruit crops.
Life Cycle and Timing Matter
Codling moths are easiest to control when eggs are hatching and before the larvae enter the fruit. Once the larvae tunnel inside apples or pears, most sprays become much less effective.
Monitoring traps and applying controls at the right time can greatly improve your success.
Signs of Codling Moth Damage
- Small holes in apples or pears.
- Brown frass (sawdust-like waste) around entry holes.
- Premature fruit drop.
- Tunnels inside fruit leading to the core.
- Larvae feeding around seeds.
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.
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 attack codling moth larvae and pupae overwintering in protected sites such as soil and tree bark crevices. Best of all, these tiny creatures are non-toxic to plants, people, and pets and are approved for use in many organic gardening programs.
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.
Most commercial codling moth traps use pheromone lures that attract male moths. These lures mimic the scent released by female moths.
When the male moth detects the pheromone, it flies toward it and gets trapped.
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 2 cups of apple cider vinegar and 1/2 cup of molasses into it. Add water to fill the remaining space in 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 has low toxicity for people and pets when used as directed. However, it can be harmful to bees and other beneficial insects if sprayed directly on them.
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 creates a protective coating on fruit and leaves. This coating discourages female codling moths from laying eggs. It can also make it more difficult for newly hatched larvae to enter 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 method for controlling codling moths.
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 hunt moths and their eggs, helping reduce their populations 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 cardboard pieces and discard them.
9. Neem Oil
Neem oil has excellent properties, including its effectiveness as an insecticide, fungicide, and repellent.
You can buy the concentrate and apply it according to the label instructions. You can also buy pure neem oil and make a DIY codling moth spray.
To use neem oil for codling moths, mix 1 tablespoon of oil with 1 teaspoon of liquid soap and 1 gallon of water. Shake well, then apply the mixture to the affected areas with a spray bottle.
Neem oil may help deter egg-laying and can reduce survival of eggs and young larvae when applied properly.
10. Fruit Bagging
Another straightforward 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.
Thin paper bags, mesh bags, or specialty fruit protection bags work well for this purpose.
Check the bags periodically to ensure the fruit is developing properly and that moisture is not building up inside. 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 in tackling the problem is to remove each codling moth larva (apple worm) and its cocoons from the tree as soon as you see them.
Scrape cocoons off the tree bark, dispose of them in a sealed bag, or squish them. Additionally, larvae-infested fruits should be removed and disposed of.
12. Clean Up the 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.
When used according to label directions, Azera can be an effective organic option. However, it may also affect beneficial insects if sprayed directly on them.
14. Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk)
You can also use Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk) to control codling moth larvae. This bacterium is deadly to caterpillar pests.
You can buy Btk in powder or liquid form, and it is easy to use. Apply it according to the instructions in areas where you have seen these pests.
Btk must be eaten by young codling moth larvae to be effective. Timing applications correctly is important because larvae quickly tunnel into fruit where sprays cannot reach them.
15. Arber Bio Insecticide
Arber Bio Insecticide contains heat-killed Burkholderia strain A396 and its fermentation byproducts.
These naturally derived compounds interfere with insect feeding, molting, and exoskeleton development, helping to control a wide range of garden pests.
It can be used on vegetables, fruit trees, ornamental plants, and many other plants. For best results, apply it according to the label directions.
16. Repellent Plants
A few plants may also act as natural deterrents to codling moths.
Some gardeners report fewer codling moth problems when growing strongly scented plants such as tansy, nasturtiums, and lavender near fruit trees.
Planting these plants in the area can help minimize codling moth problems.
Takeaway
As you can see, there are several ways 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. For the best results, combine several methods, such as sanitation, trapping, and biological controls, rather than relying on a single treatment.
Sasha Campbell
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