Fight against leek moth

The leek moth Acrolepiopsis assectella is a pest of onions, leeks, shallots, and garlic. It is the main enemy of leeks and is also known as the leek worm. The larvae cause considerable damage by developing inside the foliage, stems, or bulbs. What is the lifestyle of the leek moth? This lepidopteran causes the most serious attacks from summer onward. The moth measures only 16mm. Its head is reddish in color and its body is mostly brown. The forewings are narrow, rectangular, and brown-gray in color with small black spots and two white spots. The hindwings are mostly light gray and fringed. The moth spends the winter in its adult form, protecting itself from the cold with plant debris. The first flights occur in March-April and are particularly active at dusk and at night. The female lays her eggs at the base of the plants or on the leaves. Upon hatching, the larva (caterpillar) makes mines in the leaves and then, during its development, burrows inside the leek. White spots can be seen on the foliage where the caterpillars have eaten the internal tissues. There are generally 2 to 3 generations per year: the first in March-April and the second in July-August and a third if conditions are favorable in October. The last two are the most damaging. How to control the leek moth? Plant alliums near carrots, with their fragrant foliage, they protect each other! Harden off your plants. Let them dry for a few days after cutting them back so that they lose their attractive smell. Plant them only after. Nettle attracts the leek moth, do not use it as liquid manure or mulch. Install an insect net from planting until October. Place a pheromone trap against leek worms. If the infestation is really severe, cut the leeks back to the ground to eliminate all the larvae. Leeks have the ability to regrow.