The mortality response of lightbrown apple moth (LBAM; Epiphyas postvittana Walker) and longtailed mealy bug (MB; Pseudococcus longispinus Targioni-Tozetti) on persimmons to hot-water immersion treatments between 44 and 54°C was examined. The calyx of the persimmon was found to offer thermal protection for both LBAM and MB resulting in lower insect mortality under the calyx compared to that on the outside of the fruit. The mean immersion time for mean 99% mortality (LT 9 9 ) of LBAM at 44°C was 32.5 min, and this time decreased with increasing temperature to 7.4 min at 54°C. MB were found to be much more tolerant to hot-water immersion than LBAM. The mean LT 9 9 of MB at 44°C was 74.2 min, which decreased to 15.1 min at 54°C. Hot-water immersion appears to be a potentially useful disinfestation method.