FAQs

What are protein baits?

Fruit flies need sugars and proteinaceous food to survive and mature. They utilize various sources such as microbes, pollens, etc. Protein baits are food substances, which attract fruit flies. The protein sources are normally derived from plant or yeast extracts (hydrolysate yeast or autolysate yeast) and can attract both adult male and female flies from many metres away.

Are there any other type of fruit fly attractant ?

Apart from protein bait there are a group of attractant that are based on fruit fly sex attractant, the para-pheromones. Examples – methyl eugenol. However these attractant only attract the male fruit flies and certain species only. They are used with traps; as a monitoring tool for early warning; to determine the effectiveness of fruit fly control programmes and for surveillance purposes. These attractants have a greater range of attraction than protein baits.

Are protein bait spraying and trapping the same?

Trapping are used primarily for monitoring purposes, while protein bait sprays are intended for fruit fly control.

How do I use protein baits to control fruit flies?

Spot spraying. It consists of spraying a solution of protein and insecticide in water to a one square metre spot on the lower canopy foliage of fruit trees or on the foliage along crop rows. This attracts the female flies, which need a meal of protein to produce fertile eggs. While feeding on the bait, the fly consumes a toxic dose of insecticide. Protein bait sprays are less harmful to beneficial insects, making them suitable for use in IPM programs. Because of the spot spraying technique, there is less insecticide applied to the crop or tree and non-target species have more refuges. Costs are considerably lower as less material is used per tree or per hectare. In addition, spot spraying is less time consuming than for cover spraying and therefore less demanding of labour. Farmers may also be able to use simple, inexpensive spraying equipment. Bait sprays are more environmentally sound because of reduced pesticide usage and less risks of spray drift. Spray applications can be directed on to foliage and away from fruit to minimize fruit residue problems. Reduced pesticide usage and use of coarse sprays at low-pressure result in fewer hazards to the spray operator. Is the recommended application technique with protein baits.

How safe is the protein bait?

The protein bait does not contain any toxic pesticides and is safe to the users. However for effective control programme, a minute amount of approved pesticide needs to be added. E.g. malathion at 0.2% strength. Safety to humans is based on the insecticide that is used. Malathion is comparatively very safe to humans.