Coddling Moth Bait Trap

This backyard recipe for attracting codling moths was originally presented to participants at Glen Thelin’s pruning workshop, last summer 2024.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup vinegar

• ½ cup molasses

• ⅛ tsp ammonia

• 5 cups water 

Equipment:

• bucket (for mixing)

• clear plastic containers, 1 liter (one for each small tree, 2 for large)

• twine or small gauge wire

• power drill

• ¼” drill bit

• circular hole saw drill bit, 1½“diameter

Directions: Timing: mid to late June before apples start forming. - In a bucket, stir all ingredients together, adding water last. - Gather clear plastic jugs (e.g., Tropicana Juice) at least 1 liter in size. Cut several lengths of cord/string about 18” long. You will need one for each container. 

With a drill and a circular hole saw (1”-1.5” diameter), drill 2 holes directly across from one another about halfway down the container.

Using a smaller drill bit (e.g., ¼”), make 2 small holes across from one another at the top of the container beneath the cap.

Thread the twine/wire through the smaller holes or handle of jug to hang trap from a tree branch.

Pour mixture into plastic jugs, to a maximum of 3” deep. - Hang containers from trees. 

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Note: The mixture will evaporate over summer, so monitor traps and top up with water as required.