Protect against fruit fly
Fruit fly control over summer, when the pest is most active, is critical for anyone with a fruit tree, orchard or vegetable patch. You can help stop the spread of fruit fly by using a combination of simple control strategies.
- Protect with netting, bags or sleeves to prevent fruit fly reaching fruit
- Inspect fruit regularly
- Pick and remove fallen or rotten fruit
- Harvest fruit early or as it ripens
- Apply baits or approved insecticide sprays to kill fruit fly
- Use traps to monitor for and kill fruit fly – check traps regularly
Extra vigilance required
A number of locations have been identified as sites of concern through the Goulburn Murray Valley regional trapping grid. If you live in or near the below hot spot locations extra vigilance and control measures are required.
- Cobram
- Koonoomoo
- Mooroopna
- Ardmona
- Tatura
Disposing of damaged fruit
If you have a fruit fly problem, it is essential that you dispose of infested fruit correctly so fruit fly are not given the chance to continue their lifecycle and spread to other areas.
Collect effected fruit and vegetables and place in a securely knotted plastic bag in the sun to solarise for 14 days. Other options include freezing damaged fruit for 2 days or zapping on a high heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Treated fruit can then be thrown in your rubbish bin. Never put this fruit in your green bin, compost pile or warm farm.
Free fruit tree removal
The removal of unmanaged fruit fly habitat eliminates potential breeding grounds and is an effective option to control fruit fly. If you have a fruit tree you no longer want or can’t manage, have it removed free of charge. Pick up an application form from participating council’s customer service centre or visit www.fruitflycontrol.com.au
Fruit fly control
Fruit fly control across home gardens, urban properties and orchards will help reduce the spread of fruit fly in our region. Fruit fly breed and multiply in numbers extremely quickly, so taking steps to prevent the spread of fruit fly is essential
