Codling moths are a common pest of apples and plums, producing the maggots that invade the fruit later in the summer. But if you hang codling moth traps in your trees now, you may stem the problem before it starts.

The organic traps look like bright yellow or green tents. The insects are attracted to the colours. Inside each tent you place a small amount of pheromone, which lures male codling moths inside, where they become glued to the spot.

As a result, the females remain infertile and don't lay eggs, so you don't get maggots in your fruit.

You need to use enough traps for the ruse to work - around one per six trees - and put them out now if you didn't do it earlier in May. You may also need to top the traps up with a second dose of pheromone later on.