For years, gardeners have been advised to use codling moth traps, but many have expressed frustration, claiming the traps don’t kill the moths and, in some cases, even seem to attract them to their trees. If you share this belief, you're not wrong—codling moth traps don’t eliminate the moths but provide valuable information. These traps are used to monitor the presence of codling moths, so you know when to take action.
The traps work by attracting male moths with the scent (pheromone) that females use to lure mates. Once the male moths fly into the trap, they become entangled in the sticky bait, allowing you to track their numbers.
When to Use Codling Moth Traps
Female codling moths lay eggs from October to March, so place your traps in the tree before October—ideally, between late August and mid-September, especially in warmer areas where moths might appear earlier.
Monitoring the Traps
Check your traps at least once a week. If you catch more than five moths in one week, you have a heavy infestation. This means it's time to spray your trees with an insecticide. It's crucial to wait 10 days after the moths arrive before spraying because the eggs need to hatch into caterpillars before the insecticide can be effective. Follow up with a re-spray in 7-10 days.
Trap Maintenance
Remember to remove the traps when you spray to avoid disrupting the pheromone signal. Reattach the traps to the tree six hours after spraying to ensure they continue working effectively. One trap is sufficient for every three trees within a 15-metre radius, and each trap is effective for 9-12 weeks.
Additional Tips
- Remove moths from the trap every week to ensure it operates at full capacity.
- For best results, use the traps as an early warning system, not as a method for eliminating the moths directly.
