Don’t let the fruit fly trick you

Program co-ordinator Ross Abberfield said while many people assumed fruit flies died off over winter, this wasn’t the case.

“In most parts of Victoria adult flies can survive over winter by seeking refuge in evergreen plants located near houses, packing sheds and fowl houses where ambient temperatures are higher than in deciduous orchards,” he said.

However, there steps to reduce QFF build-up and avoid facing large numbers next spring.

Mr Abberfield said one of the most effective ways was through the removal of unwanted and unmanaged fruit trees during winter.

“With community support, the Goulburn Murray Valley program has removed over 115,000 unwanted fruit trees that would otherwise be fruit fly breeding habitat,” Mr Abberfield said.

“This includes fruiting weeds, hedge plants, and fruit trees with late-hanging fruit (like navel oranges). If there are roadside or creek-bank rogue plants such as apricots and loquats, please let your local council know and ask that these plants be removed.”

For home gardeners, Mr Abberfield said to be aware of the trees on their properties and what could potentially be growing on them.

“Removing any unwanted Q-fly host plants is an effective way of controlling future fruit fly populations ... if you have seen evidence of Q-fly in your traps in June, it is important to take immediate action to reduce their survival rate in winter and avoid large, damaging populations in the spring,” Mr Abberfield said.

If you live in Greater Shepparton, Moira Shire, Campaspe Shire or Strathbogie Shire and would like an unwanted or unmanaged residential fruit tree removed free of charge, download an application form from the program website at www.fruitflycontrol.com or contact your local council.

To receive the monthly fruit fly newsletter, email fruitflycontrol@shepparton.vic.gov.au

Alice O’Brien is a Media Communication and Design student at Monash University, and is completing an internship with McPherson Media Group