The Role of Attractants in the Recent Mediterranean Fruit Fly Eradication Program in Florida

The invasion of Florida by the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata (Wied.)) in 1956 was similar to that in 1929 in that the insect was initially discovered in April in grapefruit and eradication was completed in 18 to 19 months. The eradication programs were quite different however, the manpower required in 1956-57 being more than 85% less, because of the availability or highly effectors lures, plastic traps and bait sprays. Eradication was achieved with a minimum of removal and destruction of ripening fruit and little adverse effect on Florida’s agricultural economy. The sprays also greatly suppressed house flies (Musca domestica L.) and mosquitoes. Some species of tropical fish in very shallow water were susceptible to the small amounts of malathion in the bait spray. Other authentic cases of injury to persons, livestock, birds or pets were not discovered. Lacquer-type automobile finishes were injured when spray droplets were not washed off soon after deposition.