Fact

One female Qfly after mating just once with a male Qfly can lay up to about 2,000 eggs which can produce around 800 sexually mature adult Qfly. So, what can be seen in fruit fly traps – which capture only ADULT MALE QFLY – is hiding the reality: that the whole Qfly population, if you include eggs, larvae and pupae – which are all unseen until it’s too late to control – is many, many times larger. Go to the NO FLIES ON US! Website, www.fruitflycontrol.com.au for fruit fly advice, education and support.

GMV Trapping Grid

With recent confirmation of funding from the Victorian Government, new male-targeted fruit fly traps have been deployed throughout the GMV in December. Consequently, there has not been any trap data collected as yet. Based on yearly fruit fly population trends from 2017 to 2024, it is highly likely that the fruit fly numbers captured in the GMV trapping grid during December will be high. This means that fruit fly populations, including eggs, larvae, pupae and adults present on the landscape are likely to be increasing dramatically in December.

Area Wide Management

When regional area-wide management strategies are not in place, Qfly populations are not effectively monitored, managed and reduced. Historically, Qfly populations, including adults, eggs, larvae and pupae increases in size dramatically during December, dies off a bit in January and then increases drastically again in early autumn – just in time for ripening of the bulk of commercial horticulture in the GMV. By instilling a sense of ownership in the community, industry and government through education and engagement, fruit fly infestation in back yards, orchards and on public land can be reduced dramatically. Check out our website and take action now.

Potential Fruit Fly Hot Spots

• ELMORE
• CONGUPNA
• NUMURKAH
• YARRAWONGA
• NATHALIA
• EUROA
• MURCHISON
• TONGALA
• KATANDRA
• WEST
• MOOROOPNA
• ROCHESTER
• TOCUMWAL
• COBRAM
• GIRGARRE
• ECHUCA
• KYABRAM
• KATAMATITE
• SHEPPARTON
• DOOKIE
• NAGAMBIE

Forecast

December is the time when Qfly populations commence their annual build up in the GMV. Weather forecasts for the GMV suggest that Qfly buildup may be limited due to warmer maximum temperatures and less rainfall than usual in December 2025 and January and February 2026. Be vigilant, inspect your fruit for sting marks and infestation.