Millions of flies set to blitz fruit-fly outbreak

Coronavirus isn’t the only outbreak facing South Australia at the moment. The State Government is also fighting to bring the hammer down on fruit-fly infestations around the state.

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With more than 180 Adelaide suburbs in a fruit-fly outbreak or suspension area, the State Government is bringing out the big guns to control the pest – with the release of millions of sterile flies to boost eradication.

Primary Industries Minister Tim Whetstone said outbreaks across metropolitan Adelaide meant every tool possible was needed to eradicate the devastating pest.

“Our pest-free status gives our primary producers a market advantage around the world and enables them to grow our fruit without the need for pesticides and allows it to be exported to markets without the need for costly treatments,” Mr Whetstone said.

David Littleproud and Tim Whetstone with sterile fruit flies. Picture: Matt Loxton

“That pest-free status is under threat,” he added.

“Not only can the pest have devastating impacts to our $1.3 billion fruit fly-vulnerable horticulture industry, they can also leave a disgusting taste in the mouth of backyard growers.

“Fruit fly love to lay their eggs in ripe fruit, infesting the fruit with maggots.

“No one wants to bite into homegrown fruit to get a mouthful of maggots.

“A unique feature of living in South Australia is that you can usually safely grow fruit and vegetables at home, without the risk of fruit fly maggots infesting your vegetable patch or fruit trees.”

Mr Whetstone said there were outbreaks in metropolitan Adelaide, affecting the area between Cross Rd to Salisbury, from the ocean to the Hills.

“For months now, we have had PIRSA staff on the ground in suburban hot spots, battling these flies,” he said.

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“Now is the time to take the next step using cutting-edge sterile insect technology.

“These special fruit flies sterilise wild female flies when they mate … they are a powerful weapon to eliminate a population quickly.”

Mr Whetstone said in the coming months, Adelaide residents could see a PIRSA vehicle driving around to release the sterile flies.

“You can recognise the PIRSA staff by their orange overalls and their identification card,” he said.

“We need everyone’s help to retain SA’s pest-free status and prevent anyone eating maggoty fruit.

“Everyone who lives between Cross Rd and Salisbury needs to remove all ripe fruit from their fruit trees and pick up any fruit fallen on the ground. Use what fruit you can. It is also safe to dispose of rotten fruit in the green bin.”

“If you find maggots in your fruit, call the Fruit Fly hotline on 1300 666 010.”