The unimpressive grey and brown color and small size of the codling moth (Cydia pomonella) belie the insect’s threat to fruit trees such as apple and crab apple (Malus spp.) , which grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8; pear (Pyrus spp.) , which rises in USDA zones 4 through 9; as well as English walnuts (Juglans regia), which grow in USDA zones 4 through 9. The adults don’t have any harm to plants, but the larvae that hatch from their eggs may decimate fruit plants if left uncontrolled. Pesticides like Monterey Garden Insect Spray may be required to handle massive infestations.
Active Ingredient
The active component in Monterey Garden Insect Spray is spinosad, a substance manufactured from a naturally occurring bacterium. The University of California’s Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program notes spinosad is not as toxic to pets, people, the environment and beneficial insects than a number of different pesticides. Insects ingest the poison since they feed. Spinosad may even kill insects on contact. Always wear protective eyewear, long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt and gloves when spraying any pesticide.
When to Employ
Monterey Garden Spray is most effective on young codling moth larvae. If you spot codling moth eggs on the upper surfaces of leaves on fruit, begin spraying as soon as they hatch. The eggs are flat and oval, and just 1/25 inch. Translucent at first, the eggs eventually develop a red ring and then the dark heads of the light pink waves become observable. The first generation generally hatches in early spring, with up to three additional generations hatching provided that the weather stays warm. Try checking fruit trees around a month after bloom and appears for “stings” — minuscule mounds of brown material — on fruit. Under this mound is the entry hole created by the larva. Remove and destroy all fruit with cleansers prior to spraying the pesticide.
Spraying Small or Young Trees
Add 1/2 tablespoon of Monterey Garden Insect Spray into 16 ounces of water, or 4 tablespoons to 1 gallon of water. Mix well. Use a trigger sprayer, similar to household cleansers spray bottles, for small jobs. A pump sprayer or backpack sprayer may hold 1 gallon or more of the pesticide mix and functions well to spray youthful, dwarf or small trees. The nozzle end of this hose attached to the tank usually has a little knob to set the spray for mist or concentrated spray. Utilize the mist-type placing to deliver the pesticide and thoroughly coat the leaves of target plants to the point of runoff.
Spraying Old or Big Trees
Taller trees need more complex equipment for successful therapy. If you don’t have a hydraulic sprayer or a air-blast sprayer, you could have the ability to rent one. Depending on the model, both kinds of pump may hold between 10 and 100 gallons of fluid and pump 3 to 60 gallons per minute. The pounds per square inch, or force of the spray, also varies by model. A 100-foot-tall tree requires 450 to 550 psi, which is generally the maximum range for these sprayers. While a 15-foot-tall tree needs 150 to 200 psi. The pounds per square inch and gallons-per-minute information is generally on a label or tag on the sprayer. Larger versions could be trailer mounted, while the smaller ones are easy to transport in the rear of a pickup truck. Select a windless day and wear protective gear when using these powerful pumps to spray great distances. Fill the tank with half the quantity of water you need. As an instance, if you plan to make 5 gallons of spray, then pour 2 1/2 gallons of water into the tank, then add the appropriate quantity of pesticide and then add the remaining 2 1/2 gallons of water. Use 4 tablespoons of pesticide for each 1 gallon. For 5 gallons, utilize 20 tablespoons, or 10 fluid ounces.
Tips and Warnings
Permit the sprayed area to dry before letting pets and people input. Wait three to seven days before making additional programs, of which you can create up to six each year. Do not allow the pesticide to seep into water resources or rush into storm drains. Spray only at night, early in the morning or late in the night to prevent poisoning bees vital to pollination. Wait at least a week after spraying before selecting nuts or fruit.