What can I do to help?
Keep the Yarra Valley Fruit Fly Free!!
Don’t bring fruit from areas with QFF into the Yarra Valley.
If Queensland fruit fly establishes in the Yarra Valley a combination of methods to effectively control the pest will be required (pruning, trapping, cleaning up fruit, and netting).
One important component of every control program is sanitation – picking up and destroying fallen fruit to break the fruit fly life cycle and prevent fruit fly numbers increasing. If you are unable or unwilling to control fruit fly, consider removing fruit and vegetable host plants and replacing them with alternative plants such as non-host vegetables and non-fruiting ornamentals.
LOOK in your garden and host fruit nearby – footpaths, parks, roadsides and talk to your neighbour. Report any suspect fruit to the regional coordinator on 0490381999 or qff@agribusiness-yarravalley.com or call DEDJTR on 136186
How do I dispose of fruit properly?
- DO NOT put untreated produce in your compost or worm farm as this will aid the Queensland fruit fly life cycle.
- DO NOT dispose untreated produce directly into your rubbish or green bin, as it may cause a new infestation in another area.
Treat unwanted fruit or vegetables using boiling or freezing solid to kill any maggots. Alternatively, place produce in a well sealed plastic bag, leave it in the hot sun for 5-7 days away from birds and animals. The treated fruit or vegetables can then be discarded in your rubbish bin.
Visit Agriculture Victoria website for more information on disposing of infested produce.
How do I become certified?
The Yarra Valley Pest Free Place of Production supports commercial fruit producers marketing their fruit into areas sensitive to Queensland Fruit Fly. A fruit fly trapping program operates to prove the area is free of Queensland fruit fly.
For more information on becoming certified or to join the YV PFPP, contact Agribusiness Yarra Valley on cab@agribusinessyarravalley.com or visit the Agriculture Victoria website for more information on market access. Local industry members seeking to operate under the PFPP can email market.access@ecodev.vic.gov.au
