Wild May Organic Fruit Fly Attractant | The Olive Centre – Pesticide-Free Male Fruit Fly Control
Wild May Organic Fruit Fly Attractant is a pesticide-free, organic-compliant lure specifically designed to attract and eliminate male Queensland fruit flies (Bactrocera tryoni). Formulated from native Australian essential oils, it provides a safe and sustainable control method without harming beneficial insects.
Wild May’s natural volatile compounds lure males into traps, where they are immobilised and drowned, effectively interrupting the breeding cycle. Continuous use helps maintain low pest populations year-round. With BFA Allowable Organic Input Status, this non-toxic attractant is ideal for organic orchards, home gardens, and environmentally sensitive areas seeking residue-free control.
Uses
Wild May is used to monitor and suppress Queensland fruit fly populations across fruit and vegetable crops, orchards, and gardens. It serves as an effective, chemical-free alternative for organic or pesticide-restricted environments. When used throughout the year, it significantly reduces local pest pressure by attracting and killing successive generations of male flies before they can breed. The product can also be used alongside monitoring traps to help detect early seasonal outbreaks and prevent crop infestation.
Active Constituents
According to the approved label, Wild May contains a maximum of 0.5 g/L 4-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone and a minimum of 0.25 g/L 4-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone acetate.
These compounds are naturally occurring semiochemicals found in fruit and essential oils, which mimic pheromone cues that male Queensland fruit flies respond to.
How It Works
Wild May functions by attracting male fruit flies to its scent profile, derived from a blend of native essential oils and natural aromatic esters. Once attracted, males enter a “wet trap” containing the lure solution and drown. By eliminating sexually mature males, Wild May disrupts the reproductive cycle, reducing future generations and fruit damage. Continuous use throughout the year ensures sustained suppression and minimal reinfestation. It is safe for organic systems and can be integrated with other biological or mechanical control strategies.
Directions for Use
Pour attractant into the base of the trap to a minimum depth of 20 mm. Place traps upwind in a shaded branch, ideally on the eastern side of the tree about 1.2 metres above ground level. Use four traps per hectare (2.5 acres) spaced evenly throughout the area to be protected.
Recharge traps when liquid evaporates to around 15 mm depth and remove dead flies by sieving the liquid or using a spoon. Initial use may yield heavy catches that gradually decline as the local population is reduced. Continuous placement ensures new emerging males are captured before they reach maturity.
Withholding Period: Not required when used as directed.
General Use and Integration
Wild May can be used independently or integrated into existing pest management programs as part of a pesticide-free control strategy. It is compatible with organic farming systems, including those certified under BFA and ACO standards. When paired with sanitation and exclusion practices, such as fruit collection and netting, Wild May delivers reliable, environmentally responsible fruit fly management without synthetic chemicals.
Technical Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Active Constituents |
0.5 g/L 4-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone (max), 0.25 g/L 4-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone acetate (min) |
| Formulation |
Essential oil-based organic attractant |
| Target Pest |
Male Queensland Fruit Fly (*Bactrocera tryoni*) |
| Usage Rate |
Four traps per hectare (2.5 acres) |
| Application Method |
Pour 20 mm depth into traps and hang in shaded branches |
| Withholding Period |
Not required when used as directed |
| Pack Sizes |
1 L, 5 L, 20 L |
| Manufacturer |
Wild May Essential Oils Pty Ltd, Mt Gravatt QLD, Australia |
Environmental & Safety Information
Wild May is non-hazardous and pesticide-free, making it safe for people, pets, pollinators, and the wider environment. Do not contaminate waterways or drains with the product or used containers. Store in a cool, well-ventilated location away from direct sunlight. Dispose of empty containers by recycling or burying below 500 mm in accordance with local waste guidelines. This product should never be burned.
Why Choose Wild May
Wild May is a proven organic solution for sustainable fruit fly management. Its long-established formulation has been trusted by growers across Australia for over two decades. Safe, effective, and environmentally sound, it provides consistent results without the risks associated with conventional pesticides. By integrating Wild May traps across orchards and gardens, growers can protect crops while maintaining organic certification and ecological balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
