RHS Codling Moth Traps & Refills

The major cause of maggot damage to apples and pears is the caterpillar of the Codling Moth. 

Control of this pest in the garden is very difficult using insecticides unless they are applied shortly after laying.

Agralan Codling Moth Trap uses the pheromone scent of the female moth to attract and catch male moths. This provides a warning as to if and when control measures are needed.

The Agralan Codling Moth trap contains everything you need for a year and the refill allows for the use of the trap for a second year.

Use this trap from late May to late August. 

Manufactured in the UK.

Unlike other traps on the market, Agralan pheromone traps have a patented design to prevent small birds flying into the trap.

When to use the trap

In most seasons moths fly and mate on warm nights from late May until the end of July, although some years, activity may continue well into August. In this case a 3rd lure and sticky insert may be needed.

This trap should be placed in the garden soon after the middle of May. If spring weather is exceptionally warm or in sheltered, urban gardens, it may be an advantage to install the trap by early May.

If in doubt, hang the trap after the petals begin to fall.

How to use the trap

The trap should be assembled as in the diagrams. The sticky insert should be unfolded and placed, sticky side up, in the base of the trap. The pheromone lure (which looks like a hollow cone of soft rubber) should be removed from the foil sachet and laid in the centre of the sticky insert. Ensure that the end flaps are secured.

One trap will monitor up to 5 average size trees with a range of 15 metres (50ft) of the trap.  Hang at around head height on the windward side of the tree or group of trees.

After 5 Weeks - replace the sticky insert and lure, with the second set provided. Inspect the trap regularly - the Codling Moth is small (about 8mm or 1/3rd inch long) dark coloured and rests with its wings folded to form a triangular shape.

If you are catching more than 15 moths per week the infestation is high and a suitable spray should be applied a week later. Continue monitoring and if again 15 or more moths are caught repeat the treatment.

Remove the trap by the beginning of September and dispose of the lure and sticky insert. The trap should be cleaned and stored.

Refills are available allowing the trap to be used for a second season.