Yeah, I can see my dog doing that.

As regards the bandage trick, think how much you will waste in the wrap if you aren't careful.

Watering it in is by far and away the easiest.

I assume "Imidacloroprid" is the name of the active ingredient?

Re the bandage, have I lost the plot or are these moths that don`t fly so they walk up the trunk ?

codling moth, I think. It attacks apples, and you need to put a sticky bandage round the tree trunk.

Systemic insecticides are absorbed by the plant and essentially make it poisonous to insects for an extended period.

The insecticide can be absorbed by the leaves by spraying, by the trunk by painting or by the roots by watering.

Normal insecticides are effective on contact and kill the insects when the spray lands on them. With these there is negligible long term effect and they need constant reapplication.

Personally I use a cocktail of both types at the same time. It seems to work OK in my garden.

The "normal" product I use with Confidor is Decis by Bayer which is also very effective against the Geranium moth which is a real problem here.

To control insects which climb trees such as ants the best bet is a band of car grease on a ring of duct tape round the trunk. You can buy special sticky tapes which are effective but pricey.

Doesn't confidor do geranium moth?

Thanks Fred I understand now about the absorbing bit from the bandage.

Yes, the info says it kills caterpillars which are the cause of the damage to geraniums.

I just use the mixture with Decis as that is specifically recommended for the Geranium moth. It saves me making up separate sprays and makes sure all the pests get dealt with.

Ok, thanks.

If it's not a flying insect how about putting a grease band around the trunk? Nicer than having to use chemicals... however if it flies, that's as much use as a chocolate teapot

I have just read the original question and its funny how the thread has developed.........

at least it's still on the topic of a fruit tree being attacked by insects.... have you read the estranjeros (sic) thread? There are two entirely separate topics going alongside each other

Its mad, there is just as much hijacking now as before, yet not much said about it..........


Interestingly enough, citrus leaf miners are very rarely damaging to the tree itself and there is some research showing that the reason they are becoming more prevalent is that so many of the insects that prey on them are being killed by the mass chemical warfare thats being unleashed on the trees......