Fruit Fly

[Larryp (Laurie)]

Does anyone have any suggestions for controlling fruit fly?
Over the last few years, I have tried Dak-Pots, Eco-naturalure, Lebaycid and Malathion, and nothing seems to work.

[Baddad (Marty)]

Hi Laurie,

The problem with fruit fly (ff) infestation is that it is usually too late to do much once you notice the infestation.

To regain control is difficult. Using systemic insecticides are the most effective. Like Lebacyd. It is absorbed by the fruit and makes it toxic to the larvae. While the fruit is green the ff lay their eggs in the skin. As the fruit ripens the eggs hatch.

You need to start control early. Then their needs to be a 7 day with holding period. The fruit stays on the tree until all the insecticide is dissipated.

Also be aware that lebacyd is fenthion. It is extremely toxic to bird life.

Check where any slight over spray may go.

1 cc of it can kill 2000 -3000 pigeons. If you have any pet birds do not go near them after spraying until you shower and change.

LD50 is around 250 micro grams per kilo of bird weight.

Cheers and good luck.

[Larryp (Laurie)]

Thanks Marty
I tried Lebacyd last year and it didn't seem to help, but I will try again using it as you have described. Last year we had so much rain, it may have been washed off.
I've even got fruit fly in my mulberries, so I better not use Lebacyd on that tree-the birds love them, as you would know.
Cheers,
Laurie