Queensland fruit fly attack and damage a wide range of fruit and vegetables, and is recognised as a serious pest. When fruit is attacked it is inedible.

While the Queensland fruit fly is native to eastern Queensland and north-eastern New South Wales, the prevalence of hosts in Queensland, Northern Territory, New South Wales and Victoria has expanded the area in which it is found.

Fruit fly activity generally increases in spring as the weather gets warmer, however is not restricted to a particular season.

Outbreaks have the potential to limit production for growers and result in reduced income through lost trade opportunities. Queensland fruit fly attack many of the major crops in the region including pome fruit, stone fruit, tomatoes, berry fruits, cherries, citrus and grapes. The pest is also a problem for home gardeners.

Home gardeners and producers should treat fruit fly on their property through a range of management methods as you would for any other pest. The successful management of fruit fly is a community effort. A collaborative approach between industry, all levels of government and community is required to effectively manage the pest and reduce its spread.

A wide range of products to control flies and protect fruit from damage are available from nurseries, chemical resellers and hardware stores.

It is essential that people take a range of measures to help control fruit fly, rather than relying on one single action. See the ‘Queensland Fruit Fly Prevention’ section under ‘Control’ for more information on how you can reduce the spread of fruit fly.