The Department of Agriculture and Food is baiting trees around the Alfred Cove area to prevent the serious fruit pest Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) from establishing in Western Australia.
Department senior research officer Darryl Hardie said an eradication program was underway after six male flies were detected in surveillance traps in November 2015.
“We are working hard to stop this pest from establishing and impacting on our highly-valued fruit and vegetable industries here in Western Australia, along with home gardeners who would be contending with a new pest in their backyards,” Dr Hardie said.
Additional trapping and surveillance is occurring and residents are advised to restrict movement of non-commercial, including home-grown, fruit and vegetables.
Department officers have begun baiting trees along verges and selected backyards within 200 metres of where the flies were detected, using the organic insecticide Naturalure™.
The bait will be diluted with water and spot sprayed onto foliage and tree trunks.
“It contains sugar and protein to attract the female fruit flies and a small amount of organic insecticide to kill them after they have ingested the bait,” Dr Hardie said.
“Naturalure™ has been certified as organic. It smells a bit like vegemite and can leave a temporary brown mark. After application of the bait, the fruit may be eaten after normal washing.
Dr Hardie said survey work by the department was identifying risk host plants, in particular fruit trees, which would be targeted as part of the baiting program.
He welcomed support from City of Melville officers who were assisting with the eradication program.
A Quarantine Area has been established which covers all or parts of the suburbs of Alfred Cove, Ardross, Booragoon, Winthrop, Willagee, Myaree, Melville and Attadale.
He reminded residents of the need to restrict movement of home-grown fruit and vegetables, especially over the festive season when travelling to visit family and friends. This does not apply to cut fruit prepared for fruit salad or platters as this represents a low risk.
“To avoid potentially spreading the pest, residents within this area must not move any non-commercial, including home-grown, fruit or vegetables such as tomatoes, chillies, capsicums or eggplant out of this Quarantine Area,” Dr Hardie said.
“We need everyone to play their part to stop the establishment and spread of this pest.”
More information on Qfly and movement restrictions for home-grown fruit and vegetables can be found on the department website or by contacting its Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS) on 1800 084 881.
Media contacts: Katrina Bowers/Lisa Bertram, media liaison +61 (0)8 9368 3937