A model was developed to determine the thermal death curve for 5th instar codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) using a water bath system. Mortality rates were determined using three different temperatures, 42, 44, and 46°C, under 5 different rates of heating, from 4 to 12°C/h. These treatments were used to develop a initial kinetic model. This model was tested in both the water bath system and in a hot forced air system with infested apples. A new model was developed from the subsequent treatments. There were differences in the estimation of mortality in the old and new models. These estimates were subsequently tested in hot forced air treatments of infested apples under regular and controlled atmospheres. The suitability of the kinetic model to predict codling moth mortality in a postharvest quarantine treatment will be discussed.