Description
Plum Tree Pest Control
Plums, gages and damsons often suffer maggot damage, and the majority of this is due to the caterpillar of the plum fruit moth. The plum moth trap works by using the pheromone scent of the female moth to attract males. The males then stick to the trap's insert. Insecticides are rarely very effective unless they are applied just after egg laying.
Setting The Trap
Unfold and insert the sticky base into the trap, sticky side up. Unwrap the pheromone lure and place on the centre of the base. Place trap on the windward side of a tree at about head height, one trap has a range of about 15 metres (50 feet), and should easily monitor 3 average size Plum trees.
When To Use
Place trap around the end of May.
In sheltered urban gardens or if the Spring temperatures are unusually high, set the trap in the middle of May.
Removing The Trap
Remove the trap by the beginning of September and dispose of the lure and sticky insert. The trap should be cleaned and stored. Refill Kits are available which would allow the trap to be used for a second season. Monitoring in the Orchard Always use at least two traps when monitoring in an orchard. In an orchard the recommendations differ from in the garden as generally a higher level of control is expected. If 30 or more Plum Fruit Moths are caught in any one week period, in any one trap, apply a suitable insecticide 7-10 days later, (if the crop is very light the threshold should be reduced to 15). Continue monitoring and apply repeat spray applications if further catches are made
Important Note:
The lure will release scent from when the sachet is opened – do not open sachet until the lure is needed. AFTER 5 WEEKS replace the sticky insert and lure, with the second set provided. In a garden one trap should monitor up to 5 average size trees. It should be hung at around head height on the windward side of the tree (or group of trees). Inspect the trap regularly – the Plum Fruit Moth is small (about 6mm or 1/4 inch long) dark coloured and rests with its wings folded to form a triangular shape. If you are catching more than 50 moths per week the infestation is very high and a suitable spray should be applied a week later. Continue monitoring and if again 50 or more moths are caught repeat the treatment..
Caution:
The adhesive on the insert is very sticky. It may be removed from the hands by a proprietary hand cleaner/cream or from other surfaces using white spirit. Scent given off by female insects to attract males of the same species. Each pheromone lure is effective for five weeks.
