Reply To: Combating Codling Moth

[E. Vinje]

Hello Al –

Neem works as an anti-feedant and insect growth regulator on a wide range of insects and will most likely work to control Codling Moth. With that said, broad applications of neem oil can get very expensive. I think you would be better served using a horticultural oil and trichogramma wasps early this spring to attack the eggs. Spinosad is a biological product that is SAFE for most beneficial insects, but toxic to bees exposed to treatment for 3 hours following application. Do not apply this pesticide to blooming, pollen-shedding or nectar-producing parts of plants if bees may forage on the plants during this time period.

Please see the following link for more control strategies:

https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/tree-pests/codling-moth-control/.

Thank you!