Webs in the apple tree and lots of caterpillars: Which pests invade the fruit tree in June and endanger the harvest? We provide an overview of the different types of caterpillars and explain how you can recognize and combat the most common apple tree pests. We also list several special cases - these pests are often confused, but actually do not affect apple trees.
Apple tree pests: Which caterpillars make cobweb nests in the fruit tree?
In June, fruit trees are attacked by many pests. These include various species of caterpillars that make themselves particularly comfortable in apple trees. Spider webs are a sure sign of an infestation. We explain how to distinguish the pests and what you can do about them.
Cobwebs in the apple tree: Fighting cobweb moths
The apple web moth lays its eggs in the bark of the infected tree in July. The larvae hatch before the end of summer and overwinter in the bark, well protected from bad weather and predators. The yellow-green caterpillars with black dots then attack the tree next year, at the beginning of summer (around June), eat the leaves and then pupate in groups. The cobwebs are large, white and easily visible to the naked eye.
Severely infected trees produce little to no yield over the next two years. To avoid this, you should fight the pupated caterpillars.
Fighting web moths on apple trees:Garden centers sell special bee-friendly sprays that...Fight caterpillars effectively. A more environmentally friendly option is to rinse the tree well with a garden hose and collect the fallen caterpillars on the ground. Once the caterpillars have pupated, you can remove all cobwebs by hand.
Apple tree pests: codling moth caterpillars
Codling moths/apple moths/ can severely infest the apple tree in a short period of time. The life cycle of insects begins with laying eggs, which occur directly on the fruits and nearby leaves. When the caterpillars hatch, they attack the fruit directly. The larvae are initially yellowish and almost transparent. The more they grow, the darker they become. They then overwinter in white webs in the bark or in the soil in the root area. The life cycle of pests is heavily influenced by the weather. Basically, the warmer the spring, the stronger the infestation. The caterpillars cause a lot of damage: the larvae carry bacteria with them and the fruits rot or fall to the ground unripe.
Make your own codling moth trap:Add 1 cup vinegar, 1/2 cup molasses, 1/2 teaspoon ammonia, and 5 cups water to an empty liquid detergent bottle. Make a 5 cm hole directly under the handle. Hang about 2-3 such cases on a tree.
The following helps against apple moth caterpillars:
- Harvest and dispose of the infected fruits.
- Discard rotting fruit on the ground.
- attract birds
What do you spray against codling moth? Organic spray:
- spray the tree with wormwood manure
- spray the tree trunk with nematodes
Caterpillar nests in the apple tree: Frost moth
Fruit trees are also attacked by frost moths. The caterpillars themselves are rarely seen and are particularly noticeable through caterpillar nests in the apple tree blossoms. The larvae of the frost moth are yellowish to light green. They quickly eat first the flowers and then the leaves of the trees. This pest is the only one on this list that is truly dangerous for the entire tree. If the infestation is severe, the entire apple tree can die.
Adhesive rings attached to the tree trunk help against the adults. If the caterpillars hatch, only special preparations from the garden center can help.
Do oak processionary moths attack apple trees?
No, oak processionary moths do not attack apple trees. Nevertheless, it can happen that you find the caterpillars nearby - especially if there are oak trees growing on your own property or on the neighboring property. The pests' nests can be seen on the tree; the caterpillars search for food in the area in large groups in the evening.
Webs on the apple tree? Danger of confusion with boxwood moth
The box tree borer has spread across Europe in recent years. Its caterpillars are often confused with other pests. However, the pest only attacks boxwood trees.
Special case: spider mites on the apple tree
Spider mites form webs and can be confused with other pests. However, fruit tree spider mites are an exception - the typical signs of an infestation include leaf discoloration, fewer and smaller fruits and leaf drop.
The affected trees bear less fruit, and sometimes fruit production can stop altogether. Luckily, the mites can be easily rinsed off with the garden hose. However, since they hide on the underside of the leaves, you should rinse the tree very carefully from top to bottom.
Natural predators will fight the rest of the spider mites. If the infestation is very severe, the tree can be treated with special spray during the winter months.
Fruit trees are often attacked by various pests. The majority of these can result in low yields and some can even kill the entire tree. To prevent this, you should regularly check the tree for webs and signs of eating and act at the first signs.
