Fruit Eating Caterpillars can cause severe damage to the apple trees and its fruits. These caterpillars can eat away all the fruits and leaves of the tree, leaving it barren and unproductive. If you have an apple tree in your garden, it is essential to control these pests before they cause significant damage. In this article, we will discuss some ways to control Fruit Eating Caterpillar on Apple.
Identify the Pest:
The first step to control Fruit Eating Caterpillar is to identify the pest. The caterpillars that feed on the fruits of apple trees are usually the larvae of moths. The most common ones are Codling Moth and Oriental Fruit Moths.
Methods of Control:
1. Baits:
Baits are an effective method of controlling Fruit Eating Caterpillar. You can make your own bait by mixing molasses, water, and apple cider vinegar. Pour this mixture into a jar and hang it on the apple tree. The caterpillars will be attracted to the bait and get trapped. You can dispose of them later.
2. Insecticides:
You can use insecticides that are specifically designed to control Codling Moth and Oriental Fruit Moths. These insecticides are readily available in any garden store, and you can use them according to the instructions given on the label.
3. Handpicking:
Handpicking the caterpillars is another option. You can manually remove the caterpillars from the tree and destroy them. It is crucial to do this daily in the early morning when the caterpillars are active.
4. Traps:
You can also use traps to control Fruit Eating Caterpillar. You can buy traps from the market or make your own by using pheromone lures. The lures will attract the male moths, and they will get trapped in the trap, thus reducing the number of caterpillars.
5. Cultural Control:
Cultural control is an effective way to control Fruit Eating Caterpillar. You can prune the tree regularly, keeping it in shape. This will help in reducing the number of hiding places for the caterpillars. Also, it is advisable to remove all the fallen fruits from the ground, as they attract the caterpillars.
In conclusion, controlling Fruit Eating Caterpillar on Apple is essential to maintain the health and productivity of the tree. You can use various methods to control the pest, but it is essential to identify them first. You can also practice cultural control, which will help in reducing the number of hiding places for the caterpillars. With the right methods, you can control the pest and protect your apple tree from significant damage.