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. Applications of carbaryl or phosmet, which are among the compounds registered for use against this pest in Connecticut, in late July may protect the fruit from caterpillars of the second generation. Consult the labels for dosage rates and safety precautions. Fall webworm , Hyphantria cunea.
Webworms damage the leaves of pear by both feeding and web-building.
Webworms overwinter within cocoons located in protected places, such as crevices in bark or under debris and fences. Adult moths emerge in summer. Females lay white masses of 400-500 eggs on the undersides of the leaves. The caterpillars hatch in 10 days, and all from the same egg mass live together as a colony. They spin webs that enclose the leaves, usually at the end of a branch, to feed upon them.