What Are Fig-Leaf Skeletoniser Moths? The Fig-Leaf Skeletoniser Moth (Choreutis nemorana), also known as the Fig-Leaf Roller, is a small moth with brown, patterned forewings with white and dark brown stripes and spots. The hindwings are generally lighter in colour and less striking. The caterpillars of the Fig-Leaf Skeletoniser Moth, which are responsible for damage to fig trees, are green with yellow stripes and small black dots along its body. This caterpillar will often spin leaves together using silky threads, which will indicate the presence of an infestation. The caterpillars will scrape the upper side of the leaves as they feed. This creates a transparent 'skeleton' of the leaves, showing the veins of the leaf. The figs themselves are fortunately not affected but severe and continued damage to trees could decrease yields. Young fig trees are also particularly vulnerable to infestation. What Are Fig-Leaf Skeletoniser Moth Killer Nematodes & How Can They Help? Fig-Leaf Skeletoniser Moth caterpillars can be controlled safely and naturally with our Fig-Leaf Skeletoniser Moth Killer Nematodes which are deadly to caterpillars but safe to humans, pets and wildlife. Fig-Leaf Skeletoniser Moth Killer contain Steinernema species nematodes. The nematodes will enter the caterpillars via a natural opening, such as the mouth, and feed on the inner contents of the pest. A natural bacterium is produced by the nematodes whilst inside the caterpillar, which kills the pest. Infected caterpillars will be completely broken down by the nematodes. The nematodes will also reproduce inside the caterpillars, releasing more nematodes into the surrounding area. When Should I Apply The Nematodes? Apply your Fig-Leaf Skeletoniser Moth Killer Nematodes when damage to plants is observed or as soon as Fig-Leaf Skeletoniser caterpillars have been observed. The optimum period to apply is from April to October. How Many Nematodes Do I Need? The Fig-Leaf Skeletoniser Moth Killer Nematodes are supplied as either: - 1 x 25 Million nematodes to treat up to 35m2 of fig trees. - 2 x 25 million nematodes to treat up to 70m2 of fig trees. What Conditions Do The Nematodes Require? Choose a humid or wet day to apply your Fig-Leaf Skeletoniser Moth Killer Nematodes. Nematodes are UV-sensitive and will not survive long when exposed to bright, sunny conditions. Apply the nematodes early in the morning or early in the evening in order to utilise the optimum humidity levels. Avoid application in frosty conditions. How Do I Apply The Nematodes? 1. First open and empty the contents of your 25 million sachet of nematodes into a bucket or container of 2.5 litres of water and mix thoroughly. 2. Next, fill your sprayer (hand held sprayers should suffice, with filters removed, or use our Nema Super Sprayer for optimum nematode application) with the mixed 2.5 litres of nematode concentrate and add another 5.5 litres of water so you are left with 8 litres of nematode solution. 3. Finally, spray your plants and ensure plenty of the spray solution is applied and directed where possible directly onto the Fig-Leaf Skeletoniser caterpillars. Repeat applications may be required for severe infestations. Full instructions are provided on delivery. Can I Store Nematodes? You can store unopened nematode packs in a fridge but it is best to ensure you apply your nematodes as soon as possible for the best results. Fig-Leaf Skeletoniser Moth Killer Nematodes are harmless to humans, pets and wildlife, and safe to apply to edible plants.
