Works to eradicate Fruit Fly are ramping up in some corners of the Riverland.
PIRSA’s latest update reveals no new outbreaks have been declared, however extensions to existing outbreak areas have occurred in the Barmera, Berri A, and Monash North zones.
Incident Controller for the Fruit Fly Response at PIRSA, Con Poulos, said the response team is asking Riverlanders once again to pay attention to their homegrown fruit, especially in the Berri, Barmera, Loveday and Renmark areas.
“Unfortunately, we are seeing increased fruit fly activity in the Berri, Barmera, Loveday and Renmark areas right now. They currently have more detections than other Riverland areas, however we’re actively increasing measures to control them, and we are mailing residents and businesses in those areas this week to draw attention to this,” said Mr Poulos.
“Picking fruit off your tree and removing fallen fruit from the ground quickly can stop fruit fly laying eggs, and stop maggots entering the soil to then emerge as flies. Don’t put it in your compost – bag it and bin it. These simple actions can stop fruit fly in its tracks.
“If you suspect fruit fly in your garden, or have any questions, please call our Hotline on 1300 666 010.”
Of the 48 outbreak zones, 25 have not had a detection in the past 12 weeks, however eradication activities and restrictions on fruit movement in the Riverland will likely need to continue beyond the outbreak end date due.
