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I've heard that you're not supposed to compost apples that drop because of codling moths. Apparently, the larvae overwinter in the compost and invade the tree the next year. If I spray next year, will the problem be solved no matter how many moths are around?

Last Updated: March 26, 2010

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The problem with home composting is the compost rarely reaches a high enough temperature to destroy diseased or insect-infested material. For this reason, you should pick up all dropped and infested apples and put them in the garbage. You cannot control what your neighbors do, so spraying must continue on a regulated schedule.

Contact your local Extension Office and request information on insect and disease control on homegrown fruit.

Browse related Faqs by tag: horticulture, apple, compost, plant-insect relations, codling moths


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