Digital Codling Moth Traps: Smarter Monitoring and More Precise Spray Timing

RapidAIM smart codling moth traps are helping apple growers monitor pest activity in near real time and target sprays more precisely. Further developments planned for 2026 could bring similar tools for vineyards and soft fruit crops.

Digital pest monitoring is beginning to change how apple growers track codling moth activity across orchards.

RapidAIM smart traps automatically detect codling moths as they enter the device and send alerts through a mobile app or web portal. The system provides near real-time information on pest pressure, helping agronomists time treatments more accurately and avoid unnecessary sprays.

Following two seasons of Agrii-led trials, the 2025 season was the first year RapidAIM traps became commercially available to fruit growers. Early feedback suggests growers are already seeing benefits through improved monitoring and more precise spray timing.

How do RapidAIM smart codling moth traps work?

RapidAIM traps detect codling moths using capacitance sensors as insects pass through the trap entrance.

The technology is similar to the sensor used in mobile phone fingerprint recognition. When a moth enters the trap, the system records the event and sends a signal to the platform.

Nancy Schellhorn, CEO of RapidAIM, explains that the traps are designed to operate reliably in rural environments where traditional mobile connectivity can be inconsistent.

“Because we are only sending very small amounts of data, we can transmit information in real time using narrow-band IoT networks. This provides excellent connectivity and longer battery life.”

The traps are powered by rechargeable batteries and use pheromone lures to attract moths.

Growers typically deploy one trap for every 3–4 hectares of orchard, arranged in a grid pattern across the planting.

Because the system sends very small volumes of data, it does not require full 4G connectivity. Instead it uses the IoT narrow-band mobile network, which is often more reliable in rural areas. Thousands of RapidAIM sensors are now deployed across multiple countries without connectivity issues.

How digital traps differ from traditional delta traps

For many growers the system requires a shift away from traditional delta trap monitoring.

Delta traps rely on sticky inserts that must be checked manually, often weekly. Growers or agronomists count moth captures and estimate pest pressure from those observations.

RapidAIM traps operate remotely. Matt Greep, Area Business Manager for Fruit at Agrii, says the digital approach provides far more frequent monitoring.

“The feedback from growers in the first season has been excellent. Deployment is straightforward and the data is easy to access through the app or portal.”

Instead of weekly trap checks, the system records daily pest detections, providing a clearer picture of pest activity through the season.

Why building a network of traps improves pest monitoring

One of the biggest advantages of the system emerges as more traps are installed across a region. Agrii plans to significantly increase the number of RapidAIM traps deployed during the 2026 season.

Matt explains that the value of the data increases as the monitoring network expands.

“If a grower has a trap on their farm we can see exactly what is happening there 24 hours a day.”

Because Agrii agronomists work with multiple growers in the same regions, trap data can also reveal pest activity across neighbouring orchards. This creates a shared regional picture of pest pressure.

Previously, agronomists often relied on informal conversations with neighbouring advisers to understand what codling moth levels were doing across an area. A connected network of traps provides a far clearer and faster view of regional pest activity.

“Having access to information from traps across a region helps ground truth the data and allows us to coordinate codling moth control strategies more effectively.”

 

Why precise spray timing matters for codling moth control

The timing of codling moth control has become increasingly important. The permitted number of applications of Coragen (chlorantraniliprole) has been reduced from three to one. As a result, treatments need to be applied at the most effective moment.

RapidAIM traps record the exact time of day that moths enter the trap. This allows agronomists to identify peak flight periods more precisely than before.

Spray recommendations can therefore consider:

• the best day to apply treatments
• the most effective time of day
• the most appropriate product choice

Matt says some growers are already seeing benefits.

“Some growers are saving sprays by avoiding unnecessary applications or by timing treatments much more precisely.”

 

What pests could RapidAIM monitor next?

Light brown apple moth monitoring in vineyards

Commercial trials were carried out during 2025 in both the UK and Australia to evaluate detection of light brown apple moth (LBAM) in vineyards. Matt expects this capability could become commercially available for growers in the coming seasons, with similar monitoring benefits to those already seen in apples.

Spotted wing drosophila monitoring in soft fruit

Commercial trials will begin during 2026 to evaluate detection of spotted wing drosophila (SWD) in soft fruit crops. Rebecca Feddema explains that RapidAIM technology was originally developed to detect drosophila incidence in Australian fruit farms before being adapted for codling moth monitoring. If successful, the system could provide valuable early warning for growers managing SWD risk.

What this means for orchard pest management

Digital monitoring systems such as RapidAIM support data-driven pest control strategies. Early experience from the first commercial season suggests several practical benefits.

Digital pest monitoring can help you:

• monitor codling moth activity continuously rather than weekly
• identify peak flight periods more precisely
• time sprays more accurately
• avoid unnecessary pesticide applications where pressure is low

As the monitoring network grows and more traps are deployed across regions, the value of shared pest intelligence will continue to increase.