Preventing codling moth infestations in apple orchards

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) — Mesa County officials are drawing attention to an insect that could spoil your apple pie enjoyment.

The Upper Grand Valley Pest Control District, along with the CSU Tri-River Extension Office and Mesa County, are collaborating efforts to increase public understanding about codling moths, pests commonly found in apple and pear orchards.

The codling moth, typically encountered in its larval stage, burrows into apples and makes them mostly unfit for consumption.

Subsequently, the larvae are either light pink or white and they become most prominent during the early part of summer.

One neglected orchard or someone failing to contribute impacts everyone," stated Jeff Pieper, a commercial horticulturist and natural resources specialist at Colorado State University. "The broader point here is that when individuals aren't participating, often these are homeowners who simply lack awareness.

According to Pieper, whether you're a homeowner or a grower, it's crucial to keep an eye on your fruit by using a pheromone trap to attract codling moths. If you have a moth problem, reduce the number of fruits so they do not touch each other, or place individual pieces of fruit into paper bags; this can help remove the codling moth from the affected fruit.