What is Queensland Fruit Fly (QFF)?
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QFF lay eggs in maturing and ripe fruit on trees and sometimes in fallen fruit. The maggots (larvae) hatch and the fruit is destroyed by the feeding maggots and by associated fruit decay. QFF can attack a wide range of fruit, fruiting vegetables and native fruiting plants. Evidence of QFF activity is sometimes seen as puncture marks (stings) in the skin of fruit. The stings are where the female fruit fly has laid her eggs. Sting marks may appear as brown spots on persimmons, apples and pears or small holes that may become small raised lumps in citrus and avocado.
Adult QFF are about 6 to 8 mm long and are reddish-brown coloured with yellow markings. QFF are most active in warm humid conditions and after rain. QFF might be seen walking on the undersides of leaves or on maturing fruit. They readily take flight if disturbed. This text is taken form the Department of Primary Industries fact sheet. Read the whole document here. |
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What do you have in your garden?
A wide range of fruits and vegetables can host QFF. Do you have any of the below in your garden?
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How can I help?
The Q-Fly problem is not just a Council issue but a whole of community issue involving the response and co-operation of all urban residents. Outbreaks in the urban areas are common and we need to bring them under control through a whole of community response. By bringing the urban population down we all benefit and take significant pressure off the commercial orchards.
Below is a calendar outlining what you can do to minimise the affect of QFF in your home garden. Prune, Protect and Pick!
Below is a calendar outlining what you can do to minimise the affect of QFF in your home garden. Prune, Protect and Pick!
How do I control it?
Below are some excellent short videos put together by the Berrigan Shire.
- Video 1- Outlines what traps and lures are available and how these can work in your garden. Featuring Tom Brown, gardener, and Russell Fox from IK Caldwell.
- Video 2- Shows you how you can control Queensland Fruit Fly using netting in your home garden. This is an inexpensive and effective control method. Video features Tom Brown and Lou Newman, both gardeners.
- Video 3 - Discusses hygiene in the garden to minimise QFF infestations. Again features Tom Brown and Lou Newman, both gardeners.
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Build your own trap!Why not involve your kids in helping to fight the spread of Queensland Fruit Fly? Here are some easy ideas for
traps you can make at home with common household items. Each trap will protect about 9m2 in your garde. The number of traps you need for your backyard will depend on how many vulnerable plants and trees you have and how they are located in your garden. If they are clustered together you won’t need a trap for each tree or plant. Click on the image to the right for diagrams. Parental guidance is recommended. |
click image for instructions
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