Hygiene can aid in the containment of scale insects which are relatively immobile without human assistance. The build-up of carpophilus beetle numbers through a season can be reduced by the removal of fallen and rotting fruit from orchards. Cultural Pruning and training of trees can aid in the control of orchard pests. Maintaining an open tree canopy discourages the build-up of mites. More importantly it allows good spray coverage to be obtained.
Most pests take cover in the foliage of the tree during the heat of the day.
Trees with an abundance of crossing limbs provide impenetrable cover for the pests from sprays. Clusters of fruit should be removed when thinning stone fruit trees as these favour infestation by moth larvae and also disease development. Management of the orchard floor will influence the number and types of insects in an orchard. It is common and good practice to grow cover crops during winter. These crops, especially leguminous types, favour the build-up of aphids and mites.