One trap per tree should provide sufficient control on dwarf trees, but two to three evenly spaced traps are needed on large trees. Remove foliage from within 1 foot of the trap so it is readily visible to insects approaching from any direction. Traps can be removed in early June because the insect will seldom feed on developing fruit. See the Tarnished Plant Bug Factsheet for more information. Codling Moth Codling Moth can be severe in home fruit trees and control may be required.
Damage is caused by the larvae, which burrow into the apple and feed in the seed cavity.
Mass trapping and disorientation experiments using pheromones to control the codling moth have been attempted in commercial settings but have been unsuccessful unless dispensers were placed in every tree. This has yet to be demonstrated, however. Currently, the best use of the codling moth pheromone is to help determine the timing of pesticide applications. This spray will kill hatched larvae before they penetrate the fruit. Two generations of codling moth occur each year.