Another Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF) detection in the Yarra Valley has prompted Yarra Ranges Council to urge residents to be on the lookout for the fly to stop its spread.
QFF was detected in the Yarra Valley in February 2018, in January 2019 and March 2020. Containment and eradication treatments were then put in place by private landowners.
Unfortunately, the fruit fly has again been detected in Silvan last month and now in Badger Creek. Council say they were notified of the Silvan detection in early January and the Badger Creek detection in early February.
Residents in the immediate surrounding area are being notified in writing and provided with information on how to prevent the pest spreading.
The QFF is active in the fruiting season, though populations increase in spring when temperatures rise above 16 degrees. They can remain active in autumn and winter in warmer weather.
Fruit flies attack a wide range of fruit and vegetables including tomatoes, stone fruit, citrus, cherries, berries and grapes.
Council and Agribusiness Yarra Valley say they will work with the landowners to contain and eradicate any QFF.
Here are some tips to contain and eradicate QFF:
• follow good garden hygiene such as picking fruit and vegetables as they ripen
• dispose of unwanted fruit and scraps carefully
• regularly monitor for fruit fly presence in your garden
• protect trees, plants and produce through netting, gazebos and bags
• use bait, traps and insecticide control.
