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How to deal with winter moths

in Home : Projects: The basics

You will need

  • Grease band
  • Scissors
  • String
Do it: October - November
Takes just: 10 minutes

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Overview

Virtually wingless, female winter moths hatch in November, then crawl up fruit trees to mate with male moths. The eggs that are laid hatch into leaf-eating caterpillars in spring. Trap female moths before they climb to mate, by attaching a grease band to trees.

How to do it

1Unroll the grease band and measure how much you'll need around the base of your fruit tree.

2Cut off the length required, ensuring the ends overlap so there aren't any gaps.

Unrolling grease band

3Stick the overlapping end firmly in place. If it's not secure, tie it in position with two lengths of string above and below the band of glue.

Peeling off the grease band paper

4Peel off the paper covering the glue.

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Talkback: How to deal with winter moths
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Anne Owen 20/10/2012 at 12:04

I have just planted a 3 yr Victoria Plum tree, should I put a grease band around the stem or does this only apply to specific fruits?