The apple tree is not only popular with garden owners. Apple web moths and codling moths are also found on the tree. Here you will find out how you can recognize an infestation by these two harmful insects and what you can do against the unwanted crawlers.
How do I recognize apple web moth and codling moth infestation on apple trees?
An apple tree infestation by apple cob moth is shown by fine web caterpillars and droppings, while a codling moth infestation can be recognized by small holes and feeding passages in the apple. Both pests can damage the crop; the apple moth also affects the leaves, while the codling moth only affects the fruits.
What does an infestation of the apple web moth look like?
When the apple tree in early summer is covered with fine webs containing blackfecal crumbsand up to 2 cm long, cream-colored, black spottedcaterpillarscan be seen, the apple web moth has struck. The adult is a small whitenight butterfly with black dots on the wing coverts. The butterfly's eggs are protected by a yellowish mucus. They can be found near the buds on the branch. The caterpillars can eat almost all of the leaves of the apple tree.
What does a codling moth infestation look like?
You can recognize the codling moth infestation by aholein the apple that is a few millimeters in size. If you cut the apple open, you will see thefeeding passagesof the caterpillars decorated with droppings. The larva of the codling moth grows up to 2 cm and isflesh-colored with a brown head capsule. The adult is a miniature butterfly that carries its wings tightly folded on its body. At the end of its gray wings there is a copper-colored spot bordered in black. The codling moth also attacks other fruit trees as a pest.
Do apple orchard moths and codling moths damage the tree?
Due to the infestation with the apple web moth, the affected tree loses a large part of itsleavesLuckily it will develop new shoots after the infestation, so the infestation with the pest is not fatal for the plant. The weakened tree usually throws itsapplesprematurelyThe codling moth annoys us, but does not damage the tree because it only attacks the fruits However, leaves leaves intact. However, both apple tree pests can lead to total loss of the harvest.
Tip
Tip against apple web moth and codling moth
You can fight the web moth caterpillars by spraying the webs with a sharp jet of water or collecting and burning them. Glue rings prevent the caterpillars from climbing back up the tree. You can fight the codling moth with an old home remedy: spray wormwood manure (300 g dried wormwood in 10 liters of water, leave to infuse for 2 weeks) on the tree.
