image: Kiwicare
Forget harsh chemicals! East Auckland’s Bronwen Johnson has a secret weapon in her fight against the feijoa-wrecking guava moth: a homemade trap that utilizes the surprising power of Handy Andy.
This Australian pest, present since the late 90s, has been a nightmare for feijoa lovers. Its larvae burrow into the fruit, turning the once-luscious flesh a grim brown. But Bronwen’s ingenious concoction, featuring a hint of vanilla and a dash of ammonia, seems to be the answer.
Bronwen’s contraption is refreshingly basic. A plastic bottle transformed with a few snips becomes the vessel, holding a potent mix of sugar, vegemite (or marmite for the adventurous), vanilla essence, and the key ingredient – Handy Andy. This fragrant blend lures the moths to their doom, preventing them from ruining your feijoa harvest.
Bronwen’s wisdom extends beyond the trap itself. She emphasizes the importance of vigilant hygiene – collecting fallen fruit denies the grubs a comfy home in the soil. And a quick microwave zap before composting ensures those unwelcome guests are well and truly toast.
Bonus Tip:
While Bronwen’s trap focuses on specific moth species, she also acknowledges another tactic – the solar-powered disco ball. This method attracts moths with a dazzling light show, drowning them in a bowl of oil and water. However, a word of caution: this method attracts both beneficial and harmful moths to the party.
So, the next time you see a feijoa under siege by the guava moth, remember Bronwen’s battle plan. With a bit of crafting, a dash of kitchen magic, and some garden hygiene, you can keep those pesky moths at bay and enjoy your feijoas in all their juicy glory.
