Suterra’s New Attract-and-Kill Insecticide for Spotted Wing Drosophila Now Available in California

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BioMagnet Ruby™ Is the Nation’s First for Invasive Species Plaguing Berry Industry

Bend, OR – October 28, 2025 – Suterra proudly announces its newest innovation, BioMagnet Ruby, has been authorized for sale by California’s Department of Pesticide Regulation ahead of the 2026 growing season. This sustainable new solution controls the damaging invasive insect pest known as spotted wing drosophila (SWD) or Drosophila suzukii in a variety of berries. After years of trials with top berry brands and EPA registration completion, growers now have a powerful tool to combat SWD while reducing insecticide use and eliminating concerns of insecticidal residue on fruit.

Responsible for tens of millions in dollars of crop losses each year, this pest has proven difficult to control through conventional means. Suterra’s unique attract-and-kill technology in the BioMagnet Ruby features a pouch containing a powerful proprietary attractant. Lured by that attractant to the insecticide-coated device, the pest dies after contact with the active ingredient.

“By treating the pest instead of the plant, this cunning design allows berry growers to achieve significant pest reduction with a tiny fraction of the insecticide previously required,” said Vijay Pai, director of business development for Suterra.

Field trials conducted in California caneberries demonstrated that incorporating BioMagnet Ruby into a standard integrated pest management program reduces SWD larval emergence by an average of 75%, solidifying its position as one of the most impactful and effective products available for controlling this devastating pest.

In granting registration, California joins eight other states: Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington. The product is already available in these states through a select number of Suterra-authorized crop protection retailers for the control of SWD in strawberries, currants, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, stone fruits, cherries, and grapes.

According to Pai, the product’s longevity delivers a unique benefit: “The innovative product lasts four full months, so growers can place the product early in the season to keep SWD populations low and enhance overall pest management program effectiveness. With a zero-pre-harvest interval and zero re-entry interval, growers have maximum flexibility to align treatment and harvest timing seamlessly.” He goes on to explain how BioMagnet Ruby’s patented hook also supports longevity: “Its durable design withstands weather conditions and farm activities.”

Interested growers and crop consultants can visit www.suterra.com/biomagnetruby for more information on where and how to buy Suterra’s BioMagnet Ruby.

Grower-owned by The Wonderful Company, Suterra is the global leader in sustainable pest control products. With over 40 years of innovation, Suterra develops industry-leading solutions utilized in specialty crops around the world.

Headquartered in Bend, Oregon, Suterra's state-of-the-art facility houses all aspects of its business, including research and development, large-scale pheromone synthesis, product engineering, and manufacturing. For more information, visit www.suterra.com or follow Suterra on LinkedIn.

To learn more about The Wonderful Company, its products, and core values, visit www.wonderful.com or follow The Wonderful Company on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. For insights into the company’s corporate social responsibility efforts, visit csr.wonderful.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Vijay Pai, Director of Business Development
Vijay.Pai@Suterra.com +1 541- 480-8014

High-resolution product photography is available from Suterra upon request.