Dodging those pea moth beasties

[jonny211]

Hiya all,

The past couple of years some of my maincrop peas have had those darn catterpillars inside the pea pods and they seem to enjoy taking bites out of every pea. Yeuk!

Is there any way (apart from fleecing) to avoid the maincrop peas being attacked?

Jon

[jonny211]

[PAULW]

Spray the peas with bug clear when they are in flower

[jennym]

Fleecing or fine netting is the best way, but you can avoid them if you time it right so that the peas aren't in flower when the moth is around laying its eggs. Early sowings can help, (you really want to get the peas in the ground in February) as can late sowings end of June.
The moths are actively laying eggs from May to July in the south here so if my peas flower before May and after July I usually avoid the problem.
But, if you want to be sure, do use fleece or fine netting and have it in place before they flower. Also, don't sow the peas in the same spot, because the eggs may be in the soil in that area.

[jonny211]

The moths are actively laying eggs from May to July in the south here so if my peas flower before May and after July I usually avoid the problem.

Hi Jenny & Paul,

Many thanks... I'll try and avoid those months if possible. If not I'll bring the fly swatter out