The USDA has developed several lures that are attractive to male flies. Each attractant is specific to a genus or, in some cases, a species of fly. Some lures are highly attractive, and can bring flies in from a long distance (e.g. methyl eugenol attracts Oriental fruit fly more efficiently than any other lure). Some lures are less attractive, but are the best available attractant for a given species of fly (Latilure + cade oil for attracting Malaysian fruit fly). New and better attractants are being developed. Most recently, Biolure was released for the control of Mediterranean fruit fly. It is the combination of three chemical odors, and not only does it attract males, but females as well.

What is a male lure?

Fruit fly scientists have identified effective male lures or para-pheromones that are attractive to the male fruit fly. Each lure is specific to a fruit fly group or, in some cases, a certain species of fruit flies. Some male lures are highly attractive, and can attract flies from a long distance. Other lures are less efficient and will attract flies from shorter distances. USDA has standardized the best available lure for a given species of fruit fly pest. The scientists are constantly evaluating new and better lures.

How do lures work?

There is a biological basis for fruit flies attractiveness to the odor of male lures. Flies are attracted to odor components in the lure that are sometimes related to their food hosts. Some experimental evidence indicates certain species of flies utilize components in the lure to attain sexual maturity.

Does one male lure attract all fruit flies?

No. It is very important to distinguish which fly species you are trying to capture before selecting a male lure. For example, fruit trees are usually attacked by Oriental and/or Mediterranean fruit flies. Depending on the pest species, you would use either methyl eugenol or trimedlure, respectively. While trimedlure is commonly used to monitor Mediterranean fruit fly populations, a new lure, Biolure attracts both males and females and has successfully been used to mass trap Mediterranean fruit fly in commercial persimmon orchards. Biolure is the combination of three chemical odors. Fruiting vegetables, such as melons, cucumbers and squash, are usually attacked by the melon fly. The proper lure for melon fly is Cuelure.

USDA has developed several male lures or para-pheromones that are attractive to the male fruit fly. Each lure is specific to a genus or, in some cases, a certain species of fruit flies. Some male lures are highly attractive, and can bring flies in from a long distance. Whereas, other lures are less attractive, but are the best available lure for a given species of fly. New and better lures are constantly being developed.

fffffcdgdfgfdOriental Fruit Fly: Methyl Eugenol **

fffffcdgdfg Med Fly: Trimed Lure/ Biolure Med Fly

fffffcdgdfgfMelon Fly: Cuelure

(**suggestions: wrap methyl eugenol with window mesh to prevent oriental fruit fly feeding)

How much lure should I use?

Based on Hawaii conditions, typically 1 ml of lure will last approximately 1 month in the field. Treat cotton wicks or absobent material with 2 ml of a fruit fly specific male lure (see above). Hang treated dental wicks on the inner hook of fruit fly monitoring traps. Treat and replace lures every two months.
As always, read the label affixed to the container prior to application. Follow safety precautions statements and applicable use directions.

Do lures attract fruit flies to my property?

Male lures have been shown to attract male flies only. Studies have been done to see if the presence of the males increases the attraction of the females to an area. The overwhelming evidence is that the lures do not contribute to increased number of damaging females.

How can I obtain male lures?

Some lures are available at your local garden store. Methyl Eugenol is commonly sold over the counter. Some of the other lures can be ordered from suppliers in the United States, but are not commercially available in Hawaii. We are working to make them available.

Do I need a pesticide license to buy male lures?

The purchase and use of the fruit fly lures does not require a pesticide license. However, use of a killing agent (pesticide) must be labeled for use with the male lure. In many cases, a pesticide license would be needed to purchase the killing agent. The use of water or soapy water in the bottom of traps in combination with the lure is legal without a license. These can be purchased commercially, or you can make your own traps from plastic bottles.