The apple maggot fly (it resembles a house fly and can be identified by the dark banding on the wings) is a major pest for both home and commercial orchards. Apple maggots infest pears, apples, apricots, hawthorns and plums. The adult female flies pierce the fruit skin, depositing eggs inside the fruit. Newly-hatched larvae tunnel through the fruit, causing brown streaks in the flesh. Trapping the female flies during the egg-laying cycle reduces the damage to fruit. (Incidentally, the trap also works with the cherry fruit worm for cherries!)

The Tangle-Trap Red Sphere Trap lures flies away from the fruit as they search for egg-laying sites. Thinking the red traps are ripe fruit, the flies land and attempt to deposit eggs. Once they've landed, the flies are permanently trapped in the sticky Tangle-Trap Insect Trap Coating, which is specially formulated to remain sticky over wide temperature ranges and wet weather conditions. The coating is clear, odorless and completely pesticide-free.

In a typical home fruit tree, you should hang approximately one trap per every 100 apples or other fruit. A semi-dwarf tree usually requires just two traps. For best results, traps should be in place after trees have blossomed, before petals fall. Check with your local Extension Agent for best timing in your particular area.