Codling moth is one of the most common pests affecting apple, pear, and crabapple trees in the Pacific Northwest. The adult moth lays eggs on developing fruit, and the larvae tunnel inside—causing the familiar “wormy apple” problem.
To manage codling moth responsibly, we use monitoring traps as part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. These traps help us determine if and when treatment is needed, rather than spraying on a fixed schedule.This guide explains how your codling moth trap works, how to check it, and when to contact us.
Codling moth flight activity typically peaks: April through June in coastal BC
This timing varies slightly each year depending on spring temperatures. The trap allows us to track when moths are present and in what numbers.
Use these features to identify them:
Size: Small moth; wingspan 1.3–1.9 cm
Color: Mottled gray-brown with coppery or gold-rimmed markings
Hindwings: Pale brown
Resting shape: Wings held in a tent-like position
Antennae: Thin and slightly curved at the tips
If you’re unsure, you can take a photo and email it to us.
Please contact us as soon as you observe five (5) codling moths in the trap.
📧 Email: hello@arbutustree.ca
📞 Phone: 778-846-3752
This threshold indicates that moth activity is high enough to justify treatment planning. Acting at the right moment is critical — codling moth control is timing-dependent, not just product-dependent.
Monitoring allows us to:
Avoid unnecessary spraying
Time treatments to match moth life cycles
Use lower-impact products more effectively
Reduce harm to beneficial insects
Save you money by treating only when needed
This is a core principle of Integrated Pest Management (IPM):
observe → decide → act only when justified