Codling Moth is a Caterpillar pest that is difficult to control. There is no quick fix, and none of the prevention and control methods described here should be relied on solely. A combination of methods is much more effective.
You could try Yates Success Ultra Insect Control or Yates Nature's Way Caterpillar Killer Dipel, which are both registered against Codling Moth in home gardens. Spray when caterpillars or their damage first appears. It is important to spray both sides of all foliage. Repeat spray (at the intervals as recommended on the product label) to help control any newly hatched caterpillars.
You need to act quickly because once Codling Moth larvae bore into fruit, the sprays will not be effective.
Garden hygiene is very important in the management of Codling Moth. Any infested fruit that has fallen or is still on the tree, should be destroyed to break the life cycle of this pest.
Trapping is another important component of Codling Moth control. Commercial pheromone traps and home-made lure traps can significantly reduce the number of egg-laying moths fluttering around your trees. Cardboard bands around tree trunks can trap cocooning larvae for you to squash.
Exclusion bags around your fruit will prevent female Codling Moths laying eggs on the fruit. This method is only practical if you just have a few trees to protect.
One of your best weapons against a pest is knowledge about that pest - such as what we outline in the following sections.