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Apple ermine moth

timothy.denisontimothy.denison Posts: 2
in Problem solving
We have an apple orchard in Warwickshire that, for the third year in a row, has suffered badly from apple ermine moth infestations. It is heartbreaking after a winter of pruning and an orchard full of blossom to see the return of the telltale tents and caterpillars that consume leaves and ultimately the crop. We want to find a bio-control solution to the problem, but are struggling to find a suitable product and source. We would be very grateful for some suggestions

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  • Blue OnionBlue Onion Posts: 2,995
    I don't know about Apple ermine moths specifically.. but you could plant the types of flowers necessary to attract tachinid flies, to lay their eggs in/on the caterpillars.  Attract birds that consume caterpillars?  

    My dad used to go around with a blow torch (the kind with a tight cone of blue flame) and a step ladder to burn the caterpillars in their tent (but they were a larger type variety) from the fruit trees in our small orchard.  Could be a weekly job for some local teenagers.  

    Hopefully someone else has better suggestions.  I assume you are using pheromone traps for adults and neem oil for the eggs?
    Utah, USA.
  • timothy.denisontimothy.denison Posts: 2
    Thanks for the tip. Using pheromone traps for adults - yes - but not neem oil as I am struggling to source it in the UK. Can you also advise when best to apply neem oil, assuming I can eventually source it. Is it in autumn after the harvest?
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