Encouraging progress being made

WITH citrus season underway, the Riverland is seeing encouraging progress in the fight against Queensland fruit fly.

Over the past 12 weeks, we have recorded no detections in 23 of the 58 outbreak areas, with limited activity in and around Waikerie.

This reflects the strong efforts of our teams and the many residents and businesses doing the right thing as well as entering a time of cooler weather.

However, while we are in a better place than we were this time last year, we have seen some hotspots develop which our teams are addressing.

A critical part of our response is hygiene (picking up fallen fruit). Our fruit fly officers inspect fruit and veg during their property visits, and will collect and safely dispose of fallen fruit. Everyone can practice good garden hygiene on their properties, which really is a simple and effective way to help break the fruit fly life cycle and get on top of outbreaks.

The cooler season is a great time to be indoors, but not a great time to let fruit fall and rot. We’re encouraging all property owners to get out into their gardens and practice good garden hygiene to protect themselves, and the community from fruit fly.

If you suspect fruit fly, seal the fruit in an airtight container and call the Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010.

For more helpful information on how to prevent fruit fly in your garden, visit (https://fruitfly.sa.gov.au/home-garden).

For the latest updates, visit (fruitfly.sa.gov.au/fruit_fly_news) and subscribe to PIRSA’s email newsletter, or follow PIRSA on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected and informed.
JASON SIZE
General manager
Fruit Fly Response Program