Coddling moth - Ask Extension
When should I put out my coddling moth traps?
Knowledgebase
Coddling moth #929283
Asked April 22, 2026, 6:06 PM EDT
When should I put out my coddling moth traps?
Benton County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you for contacting ask extension with your question about codling moth traps.
For Oregon home orchards, put codling moth pheromone traps out early—at the “pink” bud stage (just before bloom) and prior to full bloom so you can detect the first sustained catch (“biofix”) for the season. Codling moth adults typically begin emerging around bloom and are often active starting May into June (varies by location and season).
How to set and use the traps
Below is more information about managing codling moth:
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/berries-fruit/fruit-tree-pest-management
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/how-safely-control-codling-moths-home-orchards
Hope this helps!
For Oregon home orchards, put codling moth pheromone traps out early—at the “pink” bud stage (just before bloom) and prior to full bloom so you can detect the first sustained catch (“biofix”) for the season. Codling moth adults typically begin emerging around bloom and are often active starting May into June (varies by location and season).
How to set and use the traps
- Hang timing: by pink stage / before full bloom (best for catching the first flight).
- Placement: hang the trap in the tree canopy; a common approach is around eye level on the outside of the canopy for easy checking.
- Checking: check weekly (starting mid‑May is a good rule of thumb) and remove old moths/debris so counts stay accurate.
- Lure maintenance: pheromone lures don’t last all season—plan to replace the lure about every 1–2 months (depending on the product).
- What the counts tell you: trap catches help you time control steps; The first spray is recommended 250 degree days after biofix (the first date moths are found for 3 consecutive trap checks). Degree day models can also be used to find this date. IPPC codling moth model (Brunner and Hoyt).
http://uspest.org/cgi-bin/ddmodel.us?sta=KORCORVA58&mdt=all&spp=clm&cal=S1&tlow=50&thi=88&stm=1&std=1&styr=19&enm=12&end=31&cel=0&fcast=1&spyr=0&shd=1&mkt=0&mkg=1&ipc=1&evnts=3
Below is more information about managing codling moth:
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/berries-fruit/fruit-tree-pest-management
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/how-safely-control-codling-moths-home-orchards
Hope this helps!
