As the cold of late fall sets in and the leaves have mostly fallen, it’s easy to think that fruit tree pests have all but disappeared. However, the colder months are actually an important time for taking preventative action against pests that can damage your trees. Here are five organic methods I’ve found to be effective in keeping fruit tree pests at bay during this crucial time.
1. Use Glue Bands to Protect Against Winter Moths
Winter moths are notorious for causing damage to fruit trees like plums, apples, and pears. The caterpillars hatch in spring and feast on young leaves and fruits, leading to distorted or premature fruit drop. You can prevent this damage by applying glue bands around the trunks of your trees.
The adult winter moths are wingless and crawl up tree trunks to lay eggs. By setting up a sticky barrier, you can trap these moths before they get a chance to lay their eggs. Glue bands work best on trees with smooth bark, like plum trees. For trees with rough bark, consider using a tree barrier glue. However, only use glue bands if you’ve had a previous issue with winter moths, as they can trap other insects as well.
2. Apply a Winter Wash to Combat Aphids
Aphids are a common pest on fruit trees, especially apple trees. These tiny insects feed on new shoots, distorting the leaves and sometimes affecting the fruit. If you’ve had aphid issues in the past, it’s important to take action before spring growth begins.
Start by spraying your trees with a jet of water to remove any aphid eggs. If that doesn’t work, an organic winter wash made from plant or fish oils can be applied to destroy these eggs and other overwintering pests. This treatment should be done in early winter, after the leaves have fallen, and again in spring, before new growth starts. Be sure to apply the wash on a windless, dry day, and wear gloves and goggles to protect yourself from any splashes.
3. Clear Away Leaf Litter and Expose Pests
Many pests spend the winter in fallen leaves or the soil around your fruit trees. By clearing away this debris, you expose pests like the apple blossom weevil or sawfly pupae to the cold and hungry birds. Rake up fallen leaves and compost them away from your trees to reduce the chances of these pests surviving the winter.
Additionally, if your trees are surrounded by soil rather than grass, raking the ground around them can expose overwintering insects to frost or predators.
4. Prevent Bark Damage from Rodents
Rabbits, voles, and other rodents are notorious for nibbling on tree bark during the winter. If they strip the bark all the way around the trunk (a process known as ring-barking or girdling), it can prevent the tree from transporting nutrients to its roots, ultimately killing the tree.
To protect your trees, install a wire mesh tree guard around the trunk. Avoid plastic tree guards, as they can trap moisture and pests. A wire mesh guard allows air circulation and prevents rodents from chewing through it. Be sure to choose a fine mesh for smaller rodents like voles, and ensure the guard is firmly in place with no gaps at the base. You can remove the guard in the warmer months if rodent activity is seasonal.
5. Encourage Beneficial Predators
One of the best ways to control pests is by encouraging natural predators in your garden. Ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies are excellent pest controllers, especially when their larvae feast on aphids and other harmful insects.
Consider planting nectar-rich perennial flowers, such as lavender, asters, and daisies, to attract these beneficial insects. Providing overwintering habitats like piles of stones or twigs, or even a bug hotel, will help ensure they are ready to help control pests come spring. Additionally, insectivorous birds can be great allies in keeping pests under control. Provide food, water, and shelter to attract them to your garden.
By following these five organic methods, you can protect your fruit trees from common pests during the colder months, setting the stage for a healthier and more productive growing season.