Peach moth is a small, mottled brown moth. It is also called the Oriental fruit moth. It is one of the most serious pests of peaches. The peach moth winters as a larva in a cocoon under loose bark or trash. The adults emerge when peaches are blooming. They lay eggs on leaves, and the eggs hatch into larvae. From 4 to 7 generations of larvae appear yearly. The first generation eats tender twigs. Later generations of peach moth larvae feed upon the fruit.
The peach moth also attacks apples, pears, quinces, cherries, and plums. Parasitic wasps and flies, including some imported from abroad, provide aid in controlling the moth. A synthetic pheromone is sometimes sprayed on peach orchards to keep peach moths from mating (see Pheromone). Insecticide sprays may be needed to control large numbers of the moths.
