Fruit fly continues to be a real threat in the western areas of Adelaide, with suburbs in West Torrens being identified as a red or yellow suspension area.
With the weather warming up, the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) will be active in the red outbreak areas applying organic fruit fly bait and undertaking fruit checking and collection work.
“Now Spring is upon us, fruit fly are more active and it’s more important than ever to be vigilant for this pest. PIRSA teams are organic baiting the leaves where fruit fly like to rest and collecting fallen fruit and checking ripe fruit for maggots,” City of West Torrens Council said in a statement.
“Residents are encourage to provide access to yards for officers to undertake this important work. PIRSA’s trained fruit fly teams are identifiable by their orange overalls and ID cards; all staff are police-checked.”
PIRSA can’t do this alone – we must all play our part to help eradicate fruit fly, Council said.
Residents can help by adhering to the following:
- Pick ripe fruit from your trees.
- Collect fallen fruit from the ground and place it in the green bin – don’t compost or bury.
- Check your fruit for blemishes or maggots.
- Call the Fruit Fly Hotline if you suspect fruit fly – 1300 666 010.
Remember, red areas are outbreak areas. Do not share fruit and vegetables with your neighbours, and don’t pack any ‘at risk’ fruit and vegetables in your lunch for school or work. For more information including a full list of fruit and vegetables at risk from fruit fly, visit www.fruitfly.sa.gov.au
Visit the fruit fly website to see which areas fruit fly officers are visiting
PIRSA’s fruit checking teams will be visiting gardens in the region until January 2022.
