Using and Maintaining Petroleum Fruit/ Melon Fly Lures and Traps

Choosing the Right Lures and Traps

Petroleum fruit fly lures last longer and attract a wide range of melon and fruit flies, including those that infest cucurbits, guava, papaya, and mango. Although these lures may not fit traps made for wooden lures with holes, you can still use them. Place petroleum lures in dry traps or secure them with wire, ensuring the wire does not pass through the traps that use water for drowning pests. The melon and fruit fly lures interchangeably work with the same traps.

Using petroleum melon and fruit fly lure with string fruit fly trap

Cage fly trap after emptying and lure replacement

Fruit flies immediately attracted to lure

Adding water to trap lid to prevent fruit fly escape

Wire melon and fruit fly trap with petroleum lure.

Checking and Salvaging Traps

Regularly inspect traps every few weeks. Damaged traps may let flies escape, but not all need replacement. Instead, salvage usable parts from old traps—lids are often interchangeable and should be saved. If a wire holder breaks, tie another string to hang the trap.