The moth is the main pest of fruit trees. The invasion of these insects is capable of destroying up to 50% of all tree foliage in a season. Caterpillars eat leaves up to veins. They especially love apple and pear trees.
This insect is a special moth with a wingspan of about 50 mm. The pattern on the wings can be varied. Females have short wings, and sometimes they are absent altogether. In males, the wings are always large and brighter. Take a look at the photo of the moth to quickly figure out how it looks.
Adult moths are pretty nondescript
The eggs of these pests are elongated. They gradually change color. Before caterpillars appear, the eggs turn dark brown with a reddish tint. The caterpillars are 6,5 cm long. They are naked, without hairs on the body. The caterpillars have 5 pairs of legs – 3 pairs in the sternum and 2 pairs in the belly. This structure causes the caterpillars to tighten their hind legs while moving and bend strongly. The peculiarity of caterpillars is that they are masters of disguise. At the slightest danger, they take the form of a twig, twig, leaf. In this case, it is difficult to see them. Caterpillars actively eat foliage throughout spring and all summer.
Pests easily endure winter. They hibernate in the form of eggs or pupae. Eggs hide at the base of tree buds, and pupae – on the ground under fallen leaves.
Fight the pest according to the following scheme:
- In late autumn, carefully dig in the ground around all the trunks of the fruit trees. So you will destroy many dolls and cause significant damage to the enemy.
- In early spring, spray the fruit trees with a chemical of your choice: “bottom”, a solution of “oleocobrite”, drug No. 30. Use all products according to the instructions, adhere to safety measures during spraying. “Oleucuperite” is especially effective, since it affects not only moths, but also other tree pests.
- As soon as the trees are ready to bloom, spray them with karbofos or antio.
- Next, you need to closely watch the trees. As soon as the first generation of caterpillars appears, apply an insecticide treatment. You can use any means from this group.
Please note that only an integrated approach will help to defeat this tenacious pest.
If you recognize and eliminate these pests in time, you can save your fruit trees and enjoy the harvest of pears, apples and other fruits. Remember that these butterflies and their caterpillars are the merciless enemies of vegetation.