Black Fig Fly Lure (New and Improved)

The black fig fly, a pest of the Mediterranean region, that has become a serious threat to fig production in California and beyond. Unlike most fruit flies, this pest is monophagous — it reproduces exclusively on figs (Ficus carica), attacking both edible figs and caprifigs. First detected in the United States in 2021, the Black Fig Fly has spread from Southern California north through the Central Coast, the Bay Area, and into the Central Valley. In addition to ruining fruit from the inside out, Black Fig Fly causes massive premature fruit drop, with infestation rates exceeding 80% reported in other parts of the world.

LIFE HISTORY

Black Fig Fly can complete 4–6 generations per year, with more generations in warm regions and fewer in cool ones. The pest overwinters as pupae in the soil and emerges in spring to mate and begin attacking fruit. Females deposit groups of eggs under the scales of the ostiole — the fig’s natural opening — and strongly prefer small, unripe fruit in shaded parts of the canopy. Larvae feed internally on the immature receptacle tissue just beneath the skin of the syconium, creating tunnels and damaged flesh that cause the fruit to drop before it can be harvested. Mature larvae then exit the fruit, drop to the soil, and pupate. Adult activity runs from spring through fall, peaking from June through November depending on region, making May through October the most important period for monitoring.

MONITORING INFORMATION

TRAP TO USE
Alpha Scents recommends using the McPhail Trap with our New and Improved Black Fig Fly Lure (SILADI). Hang the lure from the lure basket on the roof of the trap; it requires no mixing, no liquid bait, and no messy cleanup. The lure has a 30-day field life.

For best results, hang 1–2 baited traps per tree and increase trap numbers where greater adult removal is desired. Position each trap in the mid-canopy in a shaded, open area with 8–10 inches of clearance from surrounding foliage. Check traps regularly and replace lures every 30 days.

NOTE: DO NOT CUT, PUNCTURE or OPEN the pouch and DO NOT REMOVE the lure from the pouch. Hang the sealed pouch inside the trap using the pre-punched hole and a paper clip. Store lures in the freezer until they are deployed. Black Fig Fly traps and lures are designed for outdoor monitoring only. They are most effective from late spring through late fall, when adult flies are active. “Put the traps out now”.

To learn more or order today, visit:
https://alphascents.com/products/black-fig-fly-lure