Larvae that feed on the core characteristically leave frass exuding from the point of entry. Stings lower the value of the fruit from fresh market to processing grade apples. Tunneling causes the fruit to be rejected. Monitoring and management Pheromone traps for monitoring populations of adult male codling moths can be used to determine if and when controls are necessary. Traps should be placed at one trap per 5 acres by the pink stage and situated on the outside of the tree, 6-7 feet above the ground.
Check traps daily until the first adult is caught and then weekly thereafter.
If the action threshold of five moths per trap per week is exceeded an insecticide application should be made within 7-10 days. Repeat applications should only be made if the moths exceed this threshold 14 days after the insecticide application. First adult capture in a pheromone trap is used as a biofix, and degree-days are accumulated thereafter. Growers wishing to time sprays based on egg development and hatch should make an application of organophosphate or carbamate insecticide 250 degree-days after the first capture of males in the sex pheromone traps. A second application can be applied 14-21 days following the initial application if needed.