Codling moth and tufted apple bud moth are still potential threats in higher elevation orchards, but of declining concern at lower elevations (<1500 ft elevation).
WNC Orchard Insect Pest Update - May 28, 2026
(Updated: June 8, 2026, 11:45 a.m.)
Codling Moth
Cumulative degree-day (DD) accumulations since biofix were at 624 in Henderson County as of May 27, which coincides with completion of almost 60% egg hatch of the first generation. This is a period when insecticidal control is important in orchards with moderate to high populations. If there is a history of codling moth problems, an insecticide effective against this pest should be made between now and next week. Insecticides are less important in orchards with low populations (as documented by pheromone trap captures).
Cumulative DD in Cleveland County were 881 as of May 27, which coincides with >80% egg hatch of the first generation. Unless populations are high, the need for additional insecticides against the first generation at this time is very low.
Tufted Apple Bud Moth
If an insecticide targeting tufted apple bud moth (TABM) has not been applied within the past week, one should be made within the next 7 to 10 days. In Cleveland County and similar elevations, the window of opportunity for TABM control is almost closed, and insecticides applied from this point forward will likely not be as effective as one applied in the previous two weeks.
European Red Mite
While it is a little early for European red mites (ERM), the hot and dry weather before last week did lead to populations increasing in some orchards. However, it is likely that the recent rains have at least temporarily suppressed ERM populations. Nonetheless, it is still important to keep checking for mites.
Learn more about southeastern apple insect pests at the Apple Insect Management page.
2026 Average Weekly Trap Captures - Henderson County
| Insects per trap | ||||||
| Insect | Apr 20 | Apr 27 | May 4 | May 11 | May 18 | May 26 |
| Codling moth | 1.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 0.0 |
| Oriental fruit moth | 44.5 | 21.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 2.0 | 2.5 |
| Tufted apple bud moth | 15.0 | 15.0 | 14.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 10.0 |
| Redbanded leafroller | 13.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 2.0 |
| Obliquebanded leafroller | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| Lesser appleworm | 2.0 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 6.0 | 3.0 | 5.0 |
| Apple maggot (research orchard) | - | - | - | set | 0.5 | 0.0 |
| Apple maggot (abandoned orchard) | - | - | - | - | set | 1.5 |
| Brown marmorated stink bug (commercial) | 1.0 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 0.8 | 1.3 | 0.2 |
| Brown marmorated stink bug (unsprayed) | 2.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 |
| Spotted tentiform leafminer | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Dogwood borer | 8.0 | 36.0 | 25.0 | 37.0 | 67.0 | 92.0 |
| Peachtree borer | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 5.0 | 1.0 |
| Lesser peachtree borer | 63.0 | 66.0 | 30.0 | 38.0 | 40.0 | 52.0 |
| San Jose scale | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
|
*Note that these averages illustrate only the timing of insect emergence and fluctuations in populations, and are not representative of population levels in any given orchard. The only way to have an accurate assessment of an individual orchard’s populations is to set up traps in that orchard.
|
||||||
2026 Degree Days - MHCRS (Mills River)
| Accumulated Degree Days | ||||
| Insect | May 11 | May 18 | May 26 | |
| Codling moth (Biofix Apr 11) | 317 | 397 | 542 | |
| Oriental fruit moth (Biofix Mar 21) | 718 | 829 | 1014 | |
| Tufted apple bud moth (Biofix Apr 17) | 318 | 428 | 613 | |
About degree-day models
Degree day (DD) models predict adult emergence and egg hatch of each generation. They do not predict the intensity of populations, which can be assessed by using pheromone traps. Hence, the models should be used to help gauge the time period when control is most likely needed, and pheromone traps provide information on the need for and frequency of insecticide applications. For full details, read “IPM Practices for Selected Pests” in the Orchard Management Guide.
Codling Moth:
- 1st generation: Egg hatch begins at about 350 DD after biofix and is completed by 1050 DD. The most critical period for insecticidal control is from 350 to about 750 DD.
- 2nd generation: Egg hatch of the second generation can extend from about 1300 to 2600 DD after biofix, but the most critical period for insecticidal control is 1400 to about 2500 DD.
- 3rd generation: Adults begin to emerge at about 2500 DD after biofix, but the model is less accurate in predicting late-season populations.
Oriental Fruit Moth:
- 1st generation: Only one insecticide application between 400 and 500 degree days is usually necessary, as 1st generation egg-laying is usually low on apple.
- 2nd generation: Effective 1st-generation control may eliminate the need for 2nd-generation control. If trap captures remain high, insecticides may be needed around 1100 to 1400 DD.
- 3rd generation: Insecticide may be needed at 2200 DD after biofix.
- 4th generation: Overlapping generations late in the season make it difficult to predict when 4th-generation egg hatch begins, but continuous egg-laying can occur from August through October. Use traps to determine the need for further insecticide applications.
Tufted Apple Bud Moth:
- 1st generation: One well-timed insecticide application between 800 and 1200 DD after biofix will often eliminate the need for further control of TABM.
- 2nd generation: Only if trap captures exceed 25 moths per trap by 2600 DD is an insecticide application recommended. NOTE: Insecticides targeting 2nd generation TABM are usually not necessary if 1st generation populations were successfully controlled.
