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codling moth
noun
: a small tortricid moth (Cydia pomonella) having larvae that live in apples, pears, quinces, and English walnuts
Examples of codling moth in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The biological material, spinosad, is quite effective on both the codling moth and the apple maggot (which shows up in late June).
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oregonlive, 25 Feb. 2023
The codling moth may be the most damaging insect in home orchards of apples, pears, plums and walnuts.
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oregonlive, 30 Apr. 2022
Check for root weevils in ornamental shrubs and flowers; codling moth and spider mite in apple trees; scale insects in camellias, holly and maples.
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oregonlive, 1 Aug. 2022
Place pheromone traps in apple trees to detect presence of codling moth.
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oregonlive, 1 May 2022
Remove and dispose of windfall apples that might be harboring apple maggot or codling moth larvae.
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oregonlive, 1 Oct. 2021
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Word History
First Known Use
1749, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near codling moth
Cite this Entry
“Codling moth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/codling%20moth. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
codling moth
noun
cod·ling moth
ˈkäd-liŋ-
: a small moth whose larva lives in fruit and nuts and is a serious pest of orchard-grown crops (as apples, pears, plums, and walnuts)
More from Merriam-Webster on codling moth
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about codling moth
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