The enemy in the cellar: The Korkmotte

There's a not so rare, but relatively unknown enemy in the cellar: the Korkmotte (scientific name, "Nemapogon cloacellus"). The caterpillars of this moth are also called Korkwurm. The Korkmotte like to lay their eggs in moist places in the wine cellar, especially the cork. The resulting moth is 7.5 mm long with a wingspan of 10 to 14 mm.

How to recognize the Korkmotte?

One recognizes the infestation to the eroded cork or on Korkbröseln under the capsule or on the ground. Sometimes there are also direct the caterpillars of the moth on the cork.

What causes the Korkmotte?

By the Korkzerfraß the corks to leak over time, leading to a rapid loss of quality of the wine.

It is also possible taste impairment caused by mold, bacteria and mites that colonize the feces permeated by "Korkkrümelgespinsten".

How can I protect myself against the Korkmotte?

Uninfested bottles can be protected quite reliably by placing them with sealing wax covers (see also under wine storage ). There are also capsules that are really tight. Unfortunately, this is a very rare luxury, most capsules are only for looks and are not absolutely tight.

One more thing: I like in a basement a few spiders. So sure I'm not, but I can imagine that also offer these insectivores protection.

Combating Korkmotten

Against Korkmotten helps a product of Bayer. Blattanex-fly spray or fly-trip Blattanex more information to Bayer

Much like food or clothes moths moths can also combat the Korkmotte possibly by biological moth traps. The best combat flight time is the period from July to August. For more information: www.aries-online.de . By telephone request, but I was told that these traps are not designed for Korkmotten and it is not known whether they really help. You have to try it in doubt.

Utz Graafmann