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Drosophila Suzukii Fruit Fly Liquid Attractant Trap


What Are Drosophila Suzukii Fruit Flies?

The spotted wing drosophila originates from Asia and has spread extensively across North and South America and Europe since it first invaded in 2008 where it has continued to cause severe yield losses in many berry crops, cherries and grapes. 

Adult drosophila are small, 2-3 mm in length, and have a wingspan of 6-8 mm. The flies have a large dark spot on each wing, where their common name is derived from. Eggs are white, 0.6 long and 0.2 mm wide. Each egg has two respiratory tubes which sticks out of the fruit. There are three larval instars and in the third instar the larvae are about 3.9 mm long. The pupae of Drosophila suzukii are tan-brown and 3 mm long.

Drosophila Fruit Fly Damage Symptoms

D. suzukii females lay their eggs into healthy, unripe fruits. The larval development takes place in the fruit. Larval feeding in the fruit leads to fruit tissue collapse. Even if the fruits have not collapsed, the occurrence of larvae within the fruit makes them inedible. The punctures made by the oviposition of D. suzukii exposes fruits to secondary pathogens (e.g. bacteria, fungi and yeasts). Deterioration of fruit can also increase its susceptibility to attack by other Drosophila species. 

D. suzukii has a wide host range, with thin-skinned berries (e.g. raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries) and stone fruits (e.g. cherries, plums) being particularly susceptible to infestation.

Cherry Fruit Fly Damage Symptoms

The Cherry Fruit Fly will lay eggs inside ripening cherries where white larvae will soon develop and consume the fruit from within, rotting and shrivelling up the cherries prematurely. 

How Does This Trap Help Combat Fruit Flies?

The Spotted Wing Drosophila are attracted to the Drososan Suzukii Fruit Fly Trap by the liquid attractant inside. Once in the trap the flies will drown in the attractant.

Cherry Fruit Flies are also attracted to the liquid attractant and will be caught within the traps.

The trap has been specifically designed to prevent the undesired trapping of other insects.

How Do I Set Up The Traps?

1. Fill the trap with the first bottle of 125ml Fruit Fly Liquid Attractant included.

2. Hang the trap on a branch, or stick, using the enclosed hook.

3. Refill the trap with the second bottle of 125ml attractant once the trap is full of flies, or the liquid has evaporated. 

Our Drosophila Fruit Fly Traps Are Durable & Reusable 

The attractant will need replacing once it is dried out, and the trap is full of Fruit Flies. The best way to clean our your trap and replace its attractant is to open and submerge the trap in a large bucket of water. This will drown any Fruit Flies that haven't yet died and wash out the Fruit Fly remains. 

Where Should I Place The Traps?

The most effective place to hang the traps is in the shade along the sides of the plot, or in the hedge (if available), and alternatively in the crop. If the crop is low, make sure the traps hang at least one metre above the ground. In taller crops, the traps can be placed in the crop.

Ensure to protect the traps from exposure to direct sunlight.

When Should I Use The Traps?

Install the traps as soon as the temperature exceeds 10°C, coinciding with the beginning of the adult flights and fruit development in surrounding trees and shrubs. Traps will be less effective once fruit starts to ripen.

How Many Traps Do I Need?

The number of traps required depends on local factors such as climate, crop and pest density and quantities should always be considered with regards to particular situations and circumstance. The trap density typically ranges from 1-20 per hectare.

When Will I Need To Replace My Fruit Fly Traps?

The trap can be used for years and replacement liquid attractant can be purchased here for additional coverage.