Goat moth

The Goat moth (Cossus cossus) is a large moth of the family Cossidae, belonging to the order Lepidoptera. This species is recognized as a significant pest affecting the trunks and branches of trees, which leads to substantial weakening and potential death of the affected plant.

This pest primarily attacks deciduous trees. High-risk crops include orchard fruits such as apples, pears, plums, and cherries, as well as woodland trees like willows, poplars, birches, and elms. Older trees and those already stressed by poor environmental conditions in gardens or parks are particularly susceptible to infestation.

The pest's biology is characterized by a prolonged development cycle, usually lasting between two to three years. The adult moths fly during the summer and deposit eggs in the crevices of the bark near the base of the trunk. Upon hatching, the larvae bore deep into the heartwood, creating extensive galleries and filling them with frass that emits a strong, pungent scent.

Visible damage is often identified by holes in the bark, through which a brown, sap-like liquid exudes. Internally, the larvae disrupt the tree's vascular system, causing canopy dieback, premature leaf drop, and weakened branches that easily break under wind or fruit weight. Trees damaged by these larvae are also highly prone to secondary fungal and bacterial infections.

Control measures require a multi-faceted management strategy:

• Removing dead bark and sealing trunk wounds with professional grafting wax.
• Physical removal or localized injection of insecticides into larval tunnels using a syringe.
• Maintaining tree vitality through consistent fertilization and proper irrigation to bolster natural resistance.
• Deploying pheromone traps during the flight period to monitor population levels and timing.