May 2018 - outbreak
Location: Como
Status: Eradication program underway - baiting concluded, Quarantine Area remains until November 2018.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development detected a number of male Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) in the Perth suburb of Como during May 2018. The Qfly were detected in a residential area, and there continues to be no recent detections in any commercial fruit or vegetable production areas.
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| A Quarantine Area came into effect on 5 May 2018, and was extended on 19 May 2018. It includes all or parts of Como, Bentley, South Perth, Karawara and Kensington (see map).
There have been no further Qfly detections since May 2018, and baiting of properties close to the detections concluded on 18 August 2018.
However, it is critical that residents in Como and surrounding suburbs continue to comply with the Quarantine Area restrictions, which will remain in place until at least November 2018.
This applies to City of South Perth residents about to undergo a green waste collection. Strip all fruit and vegetables from green waste prior to collection, and dispose of according to guidelines.
Despite the cold weather, with not many flies around, Qfly is known to over-winter in fruit and trees such as citrus, loquats and apples. |
Quarantine Area restrictions
Home-grown fruit and vegetables cannot be moved out of the Quarantine Area, and must be disposed of according to strict guidelines.
Nobody wants Qfly in Western Australia. To eradicate this pest we need the participation and support of residents and businesses within the Quarantine Area as we carry out our response activities.
The department is exploring all avenues to remove pathways through which Qfly can spread to other areas. This includes:
- Community gardens and public property where fruit trees are located. If within the Quarantine Area, the same rules apply to fruit and vegetables grown on these properties.
- Online trading of fruit. Many properties have an excess of citrus at this time of year. The department is appealing to sellers located within the Quarantine Area to remove their advertisements until further notice.
- Home gardeners and gardening contractors must ensure that greenwaste is not disposed of before being stripped of fruit and vegetables. This includes greenwaste put out for verge collection. Fruit and vegetables must then be disposed of according to disposal guidelines.
If you suspect fruit fly in your garden call the department via the reporting options below.