Aussies Causing Us Grief Over a Moth

A tiny (6-13 mm) moth, the light brown apple moth (Epiphyas postvittana), is a native of Australia and had never been found in this country until February, 2007. when it was first discovered here in California by a retired entomologist. Now the moth has been located in nine counties, including the Napa Valley. The problem with this little bugger is that it likes to eat and is not especially picky. It will feast on numerous agricultural crops besides grapes, including apples, pears, apricots, strawberries, cabbage plants and so on. Organic pesticides have been used, traps set, and affected counties are currently under quarantine.