A Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF) has been detected in a local trap in the Wandin area, affecting rowers in Wandin North and Wandin East.
Growers are urged to begin or continue trapping and baiting on their properties to protect their crops from QFF and most importantly, prevent QFF from establishing in the area.
It is advisable for all home gardeners, fruit growers, and land managers in Wandin to take action to prevent QFF.
Install or refresh fruit fly traps, check regularly
Use a mixture of male QFF traps and protein traps that are very attractive to female QFF, and hang them in leafy trees (out of direct sunlight)
Use fruit fly bait and apply droplets to leaves on trees around your property- if fruit flies are near, they will seek this out and consume the insecticide in the bait (use responsibly)
Reapply bait weekly from now until the winter weather sets in (QFF have been caught in May in previous seasons!) Be prepared to use bait next season too.
Ensure all fruit is harvested and used (fruit lying around can attract QFF to your place). Regularly check all fruit for QFF larvae.
Use netting (2mm x 2mm insect mesh) to protect vulnerable fruit and vegetables – ensure netting is sealed, safe and secure!
Boil, microwave or freeze suspect QFF-infested fruit, bag and seal, and dispose of in the normal rubbish.
