Plum Fruit Moth Traps

[Lymmguineas]

Hi Everyone,
For the last few years I've used an Agralan plum fruit moth trap on my Victoria plum tree.
On the pack it says to install the trap at the end of May. As we've had the sunniest April on record (I think) should I put the trap out earlier this year? I was considering doing so in the next few days.
Are there any problems with putting the trap out too early (e.g. the pheromone running out too soon)?
Any advice gratefully received!

[nickdub]

I usually put a new lure out every year but this time I haven't got round to buying one, however as I am both lazy and untidy the old one from last year is still hanging in a tree. Been catching lots of plum moths for about the last 4 weeks with it too. So if anything depending on your location I'd say you have probably missed half or more of the main problem time already. In the end calendars are only a rough guide as to what part of the year we are in from a gardening pov - so in the case of Plum trees they provide the best and most up-to-date info each year i.e. when their flowers first open and you see a mass of white blossoms little beasties like plum moths re-act and start laying their eggs.

My advice then is, have a look at your plum trees and try to figure out what they are telling you and just ignore your calendar.


PS I wrote quite a few posts last year about pheromone traps and the cheapest and most durable way I've found to make/use them.

Happy gardening :-)

[Lymmguineas]

Thanks Nick.
I knew it was a mistake to read the instructions!
I'll put it up this afternoon.

[nickdub]

You're very welcome - and may all your plum moth traps be sticky ones :-)