Please note: this is an archived news article release
This article was published on Monday, 4 December, 2017. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.
Posted on Monday 4th of December, 2017,
A community effort is required to stop the spread of Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF), with gardeners reminded now is the time to apply control measures in their home garden.
Goulburn Murray Valley Regional Fruit Fly Coordinator Ross Abberfield said vigilance is necessary by those in the community with fruit trees or host plants in their garden.
Weather conditions over recent weeks have been ideal for fruit flies to mature and mate, resulting in the possibility of a fruit fly spike if control measures are not activated and applied diligently.
“While fruit fly typically lay dormant over winter and may be nearing the end of their life cycle, it is important for the community to realise that it is likely they have mated and laid eggs, providing the opportunity for the emergence of a new life cycle,” Mr Abberfield said.
“We are asking the community to assist in reducing the spread of QFF by taking action in their home garden now, despite not being able to see evidence of fruit fly” Mr Abberfield said.
More than 300 fruit fly traps have been distributed across the Goulburn Murray Valley targeting male fruit fly as part of a regional approach to fruit fly management. These traps do not attract female QFF but are used to detect the presence of fruit fly and gauge changes in populations over time.
Traps are checked weekly and have been positioned in various locations across 15 different towns within the region.
“Traps have been deployed in rural and urban areas and will remain in place until March to allow for the identification and analyses of changes in fruit fly numbers,” Mr Abberfield said.
It is recommended that householders use both male-targeting and female-targeting fruit fly traps as a monitoring and control tool in their home garden. Traps can be purchased at hardware, nursery and online suppliers, or can be made in the home.
Householders and gardeners should also use insecticide or bait spray where it is considered appropriate. Other important control measures include the use of netting and ensuring good garden hygiene through early harvesting and destroying rotting or unwanted fruit.
“Unwanted host fruit should not be left on the ground, but instead it should be destroyed by placing it in the freezer or microwave. Alternatively, unwanted fruit can be placed in a sealed plastic bag and left in the sun for 5-7 days to kill any maggots prior to disposal,” Mr Abberfield said.
Once the fruit or vegetables have been treated, the sealed plastic bag can then be placed in the rubbish bin. Untreated, bag free fruit and vegetables must not be placed in your rubbish or green bin, as this may cause a new infestation in another area.
Householders and home gardeners are encouraged to communicate with neighbours to determine whether fruit fly has been detected in their neighbourhood, thus enabling a coordinated approach to the management of QFF.
Commercial growers undertake ongoing measures to prevent fruit fly infestations occurring in their crops. In relation to fallen fruit, growers spray and mulch any fallen fruit on the ground, which destroys its integrity and renders it unsuitable as a host for QFF.
“We are urging the community to help protect the region from fruit fly by undertaking control measures and properly managing any fruit trees they have in their yards or garden,” Mr Abberfield said.
Several councils in the Goulburn Murray Valley region have local laws that require the owner and occupier of land in a residential area to manage their fruit trees in a manner that will assist in the prevention of fruit fly infestation.
“Fruit fly is a serious risk to the region’s multi-billion dollar horticulture industry, backyard orchards and vegetable gardens. A combined community effort is essential in protecting the Goulburn Murray Valley region,” he said.
For more information about the simple steps you can take to reduce the spread of fruit fly, go to www.gmv-qldfruitfly.com.au.
More News from Greater Shepparton
Friday 3rd of October,
Make your next career move at Council’s Early Years Recruitment Day
Greater Shepparton City Council is excited to announce its third Empowering Early Years Recruitment Day, designed to connect passionate people with rewarding careers in early childhood education. Read more
Thursday 2nd of October,
Greater Shepparton to host 2026 Murray-Darling Association National Conference
Greater Shepparton is proud to be announced as the host city for the 2026 Murray-Darling Association National Conference. Read more
Wednesday 1st of October,
Nominations now open for the 2026 Australia Day Awards
Greater Shepparton City Council invites individuals, community groups, and organisations to nominate local residents who have made a significant contribution this year, demonstrated outstanding service to the community, or positively impacted Greater… Read more
Tuesday 30th of September,
Greater Shepparton Heritage Advisory Committee achievements noted in Annual Report
The achievements of the Greater Shepparton Heritage Advisory Committee were highlighted in a 2024 Annual Report noted at Greater Shepparton City Council’s September Council Meeting last week. Read more
Monday 29th of September,
Community spirit shines at Tatura’s Dunk and Skate event
Greater Shepparton City Council, alongside local and regional partners, celebrated the completion of the new Tatura Skate Park and Basketball Court with a Dunk & Skate event on Monday 22 September 2025. Read more
Monday 29th of September,
Tatura and district community invited to engage with Police and Council at Tatura Community Meeting
Residents of Tatura, Murchison, Merrigum, and Undera and surrounds are invited to attend a community engagement meeting hosted by Greater Shepparton City Councillor Rod Schubert and local Victoria Police on Tuesday 7 October 2025. Read more
See All News
Want to get the latest news and events in your Facebook feed?
Just go to our Facebook page and click the Like button.
More Events in Greater Shepparton
Saturday 4th of October, – to Sunday 5th of October,
GV Rail Club Model Railway Exhibition
Get ready for a weekend of miniature marvels and railway nostalgia! The GV Rail Club Model Railway Exhibition is back this October, bringing together enthusiasts, families, and collectors for one of regional… Read more
Tuesday 7th of October,
Victorian Seniors Festival Matinee Movie - The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (M)
Free movie screening including popcorn! Read more
Sunday 5th of October,
Sportz Lab Netball with the GV Stars
A two-hour netball clinic for students from Foundation to Grade 6. GVNL Stars and Sportz Labs head netball coaches, Charli Boschetti and Liv Kirby, will take the young athletes through elite drills focused… Read more
Sunday 5th of October,
A DAY IN THE HILLS - COMMUNITY EVENT
This event is designed to bring farming families and rural locals together - to take a pause, reconnect with neighbours, and feel supported. Read more
Monday 6th of October,
Victorian Seniors Festival - Travel the World Without Leaving the Library
Explore under the sea or travel to locations throughout the world using a virtual reality headset. Read more
Wednesday 8th of October,
Victorian Seniors Festival - Uke3A Ukulele Show at Shepparton Library
Enjoy an afternoon of strumming, singing and uncontrollable foot tapping with the U3A Ukulele Group! Read more
See All Events