Common crops affected
What is it?
Codling moth (Cydia pomonella) lays eggs on or near developing fruit. When the eggs hatch, the young larvae tunnel into the fruit to feed on the seeds and core, then exit to pupate. There are typically multiple generations per season, so pressure builds from spring through harvest.
How to identify it
- Small entry holes in fruit, often surrounded by frass (brown crumbly droppings)
- Tunneling to the core when fruit is cut open
- Premature fruit drop
- Adult moths caught in pheromone traps signaling egg-laying flights
Damage and how it spreads
Codling moth larvae make fruit unmarketable and cause early drop, and with several overlapping generations a single season can cause heavy losses if egg hatch is not intercepted. Because larvae are protected inside the fruit once they enter, control must target eggs and newly hatched larvae before they tunnel in — which makes timing critical.
How to control it
- Hang pheromone traps to monitor flights and time treatments to egg hatch.
- Remove and destroy dropped and infested fruit to reduce the next generation.
- Use tree banding and sanitation to capture and remove larvae and pupae.
- Apply control at egg hatch for each generation, before larvae enter the fruit.
Recommended Vegalab solution: Larva BioControl
Vegalab Larva BioControl provides a biological mode of action well suited to codling moth programs, and Larva Control (oxymatrine) adds a fast-acting natural larvicide that kills on contact or ingestion. Time applications to egg hatch using trap data, and reapply for each generation. Rotating the two products supports resistance management across the season.
| Role | Product | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Primary control | Larva BioControl | Biological larvicide / rotation partner |
| Companion / broader pressure | Larva Control | Natural larvicide (foliar) |
Preventing it next season
Trap-monitor every season, keep up sanitation of dropped fruit, and treat each generation at egg hatch. Healthy, vigorous trees recover better from pest pressure — support them with balanced nutrition.
Claims and product availability vary by jurisdiction. Always read and follow the product label.