composting coddling moth-infested apples? - Ask Extension
Can we compost apples from our trees that have the coddling moth larvae inside? Or are we just giving them a perfect home to invade our apples in th...
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composting coddling moth-infested apples? #491504
Asked October 23, 2018, 11:29 AM EDT
Can we compost apples from our trees that have the coddling moth larvae inside? Or are we just giving them a perfect home to invade our apples in the spring? Also, any suggestions on preventing this next year? Of course, we don't want to use any chemicals...we are in Lakewood, Colorado.
Jefferson County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello,
The Codling moth overwinters as a full grown larvae in a thick cocoon under bark scales or bark cracks, so the apples from your tree may no longer have live larvae in them. I would check a few to be sure. If you do find live larvae, they can be composted if you dependably get your compost heated above 145F. Alternatively, you could shred/chop the apples before composting, or fully dry them before composting.
There are several methods of control for you to use on next spring's apple crop to protect them from Codling moth, including fall sanitation, trunk banding, pheromone traps and chemical sprays. All are described in the CSU Fact Sheet on Control of Codling Moths: http://extension.colostate.edu/docs/pubs/insect/05613.pdf.
Best regards,
The Codling moth overwinters as a full grown larvae in a thick cocoon under bark scales or bark cracks, so the apples from your tree may no longer have live larvae in them. I would check a few to be sure. If you do find live larvae, they can be composted if you dependably get your compost heated above 145F. Alternatively, you could shred/chop the apples before composting, or fully dry them before composting.
There are several methods of control for you to use on next spring's apple crop to protect them from Codling moth, including fall sanitation, trunk banding, pheromone traps and chemical sprays. All are described in the CSU Fact Sheet on Control of Codling Moths: http://extension.colostate.edu/docs/pubs/insect/05613.pdf.
Best regards,
