Nymphs are green in color with black spots. They become active in the spring and move to fruit trees as buds begin to open. They are most abundant and active in the orchard from green tip through petal fall. Buds or flowers which have been injured will abort or fail to develop normally. Early feeding on the fruit occurs later in the season and results in depressions which deepen as the fruit grows.
Egg laying punctures are deeper and are most often found on the calyx end.
Feeding and ovipostition on the fruit by adults is most noticeable at harvest. Fruit which is attacked when very young may abort. Traps should be hung vertically from an outer branch at just below knee height. Each week, the number of TPB captures should be recorded, and that week's captures removed from the trap. Reduce or eliminate broadleaf weeds, especially chickweeds, dandelion and clovers, from orchard sod.