Ecomask Spray
Our recommended nematode for fleas, and a hardy choice for hot, dry climates.
From $37.99
Navel Orangeworm
Amyelois transitella
Caterpillars that bore into almonds, pistachios, and walnuts, and spend the winter in old nuts left on the trees and the ground.
How to control navel orangeworm
- Use
- Ecomask Spray (also works: Ecomask Topdressing)
- When
- April to May or August to October.
- Where
- The orchard floor where leftover (mummy) nuts lie, then irrigate.
What it looks like
Navel orangeworms are the caterpillars of a small gray moth. The caterpillars are pinkish with a reddish-brown head. They're a major pest of almonds, pistachios, and walnuts in California.
The caterpillars spend the winter in "mummy" nuts, old nuts left on the trees or on the ground after harvest, and become moths in spring.
Damage
The caterpillars bore into the nuts and eat the nutmeat, leaving webbing and droppings. Damaged nuts can carry mold that produces aflatoxin, a harmful toxin.
How nematodes help
The beneficial nematodes in BioLogic's products seek out caterpillars in mummy nuts on the ground. In California research trials, S. carpocapsae (the nematode in Ecomask) killed most of the caterpillars in mummy nuts. Removing and destroying mummy nuts after harvest is still the most important control.
How to apply
Treat with Ecomask from April to May or August to October.
Spray the orchard floor where mummy nuts lie, then irrigate.
See How to apply for step-by-step directions, or use the calculator on the Ecomask Spray page to see how much you need.
Recommended products
Ecomask Topdressing
Ecomask, our flea nematode, in a granular form you mix with peat moss or potting soil and spread by hand.
$59.99