Organic attractant made from native Australian essential oils
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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.
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
Wild May Fruit Fly Attractant uses natural Australian essential oils containing 4-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone and its acetate ester as active lures. These compounds mimic natural scents that attract male Queensland fruit flies (Bactrocera tryoni). When males enter the liquid-filled trap, they drown in the attractant solution — effectively removing them from the mating population.
By continuously eliminating males, Wild May prevents fertilisation and gradually reduces local fruit fly pressure. This biological method is pesticide-free, non-toxic, and highly targeted, making it suitable for organic and low-residue crop management programs.
Research and field trials have shown that using four traps per hectare (≈ 2.5 acres) provides optimum control coverage in orchards or gardens. For maximum efficiency:
Position traps upwind of the prevailing breeze.
Hang them on a shaded branch on the eastern side of the tree, approximately 1.2 metres above ground level.
Space traps equally around the block or orchard perimeter to intercept incoming flies.
Traps should be installed before fruit ripening and maintained year-round. Regular trapping disrupts each new generation before males reach sexual maturity, significantly lowering the chance of fruit sting or infestation.
The attractant should be recharged when the liquid level drops below 15 mm due to evaporation. During recharging:
Remove dead flies using a small sieve or spoon.
Top up the trap with fresh Wild May liquid to a minimum depth of 20 mm.
Refill more frequently during hot, dry weather when evaporation is faster.
Continuous use is recommended for year-round protection, as fruit fly activity can persist across multiple generations. Growers using Wild May consistently report dramatic reductions in fruit fly strikes — and in some cases, complete local eradication within two to three seasons of uninterrupted use.
Yes — Wild May is completely non-toxic and pesticide-free, posing no risk to pollinators, beneficial insects, or soil health. The attractant is designed specifically to lure male fruit flies and does not affect other species.
According to the product label, users should avoid contaminating waterways and always store the attractant in its original sealed container in a cool, shaded, and well-ventilated area. Containers should be rinsed and recycled or buried according to local disposal guidelines. Wild May’s environmentally safe formulation aligns with BFA and ACO organic certification standards, making it suitable for organic farms, home orchards, and wildlife-sensitive environments.
Key Features
Organic and pesticide-free formulation – safe for beneficial insects
Attracts and kills male Queensland fruit flies (Bactrocera tryoni)
Made from Australian essential oils with natural volatile attractants
BFA Allowable Organic Input Status – suitable for certified organic systems
Non-toxic and residue-free; safe for use near crops, gardens, and public areas
Effective when used continuously – interrupts breeding cycles
Simple to use in bottle traps or commercial attractant devices
