The olive fly (Bactrocera oleae) is the most significant pest in olive cultivation worldwide. It is approximately 4–5 mm in size and has perfectly specialised in olives as its host plant. Its larvae develop inside the olive and eat the flesh. Severe infestation can cause extra virgin olive oil to be downgraded to lampante or refined olive oil.

How do olive growers combat the olive fly? With attractant traps, kaolin clay (white protective powder on olives) and the promotion of beneficial insects. Many high-quality small producers primarily rely on early harvesting to minimise damage, as the flies do not lay larvae in the olives at the early stage of harvesting.