A key component in tephritid fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) area-wide IPM programs has been application of insecticidal soil drenches under the drip line of host trees where fruit flies have been detected and as a regulatory treatment in the certification process for movement of nursery stock outside of fruit fly quarantine areas. Diazinon has been the most effective and widely used insecticide for this purpose; however, it is being phased out in many areas due to environmental issues. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of several insecticides as Diazinon replacements for control of three economically important fruit fly species, Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata, melon fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae, and oriental fruit fly, B. dorsalis using a semi-field approach. Fruit fly pupae that were ready to eclose within 24 h were exposed to organic soil treated with Radiant SC (Spinetoram), Force 3G and Force CS (Tefluthrin); Warrior II (Lambda-cyhalothrin); the biopesticides, Entrust and Entrust SC (Spinosad); GardStar 40% EC (Permethrin) or Diazinon AG 600. All alternative insecticides resulted in a significant reduction in adult emergence and were not significantly different from Diazinon. Insecticides that resulted in no adult emergence for C. capitata and B. dorsalis were Entrust SC, Warrior II, GardStar, and Force CS, and for B. cucurbitae, Entrust SC and Force CS. Late third instar larvae ready to pupate were exposed to organic soil treated with Force CS, Warrior II, Entrust SC, GardStar, or Diazinon AG 600. All alternative insecticides resulted in a significant reduction in adult emergence and were not significantly different from Diazinon. Our results suggest several alternative insecticides to Diazinon, for control of late larval or pupal stages of three economically important fruit fly species.