Field tests of codling moth attraction to fruits showed strongest responses to ripe pears. Because ripe pears are not good larval hosts, it was hypothesized that codling moth orientation to ripe fruits may be a food-finding, rather than oviposition site-seeking, behavior. Testing of a combination of sugar fermentation chemistry and host fruit chemistry revealed strong codling moth attraction to a novel blend of compounds. Subsequent field testing of the novel lure has shown consistent superior responses by both sexes in several geographic locations.