For more information, see the fact sheets on Disease Control for the Home Pear Orchard and on Fire Blight . Insect Problems Codling moth , Cydia pomonella. The codling moth injures pear fruit, especially late varieties harvested after the middle of August. This moth is one of the three most destructive pear insects that feed directly on pear. Pinkish caterpillars that have overwintered under bark or debris form pupae in spring.
Females emerge around bloom to lay eggs on fruit.
Caterpillars of the first of the two generations enter the fruit shortly after the blossoms fall. Those of the second generation injure fruit in August and September. The amount of damage varies greatly from year to year. Caterpillars of the codling moth are distinguished from those of other boring caterpillars by having a dark brown anal comb at the rear of the body and by tunneling directly to the core of the pear. Pheromone traps may be used to monitor adult flights.