The Coddling Moth is winning! - Ask Extension
I would like to grow apples that are organic. How can I control coddling moths? I have a Fireside and Honeycrisp trees and the majority of the apple...
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The Coddling Moth is winning! #920652
Asked October 26, 2025, 7:14 PM EDT
I would like to grow apples that are organic. How can I control coddling moths? I have a Fireside and Honeycrisp trees and the majority of the apples this year had 'worms' in the seed area.
Minnehaha County South Dakota
Expert Response
Apples are a challenge, and organic can be doubly so. Now is a great time to ask this question, as you have all winter to prepare your strategy for next season!
I would recommend reviewing Dr. Ball's Tree Pest Alerts (https://extension.sdstate.edu/tree-pest-alert), especially from the spring as that is when a lot of the fruit tree pest control has to happen in order to be successful.
UMN has some great resources for fruit producers - https://blog-fruit-vegetable-ipm.extension.umn.edu/2025/04/apple-and-grape-resources-for-pest.html. Some of these might be more geared towards commercial production, but can be adapted to a home orchard.
