WINTER SANITATION IN THE ORCHARD

Mummies turn black from mold on the hulls but worms love the interiors

Mummies (nuts not removed at harvest) are the overwintering site for Navel Orangeworm, a primary pest of almonds. I think of mummies as Navel Orangeworm "hotels" where the worms live in comfort waiting to infect the new crop next year.

Winter shaking

Removal of the mummies by shaker, or by hand poling, is the most effective and important control for Navel Orangeworms. This cultural control is used by all serious growers as part of an integrated pest control program and allows us to reduce the need for expensive chemical sprays.