Winter seems to have become Sunraysia's best weapon against unusually high numbers of Queensland fruit fly in the region. According to Mildura-based Greater Sunraysia Pest Free Area's regional coordinator Narelle Beattie, the colder weather was already driving flies into hibernation and laying eggs in fruit across the region.
Ms Beattie said it was equally vital for backyard growers to start planning to put out traps before late July – especially around avocado, citrus and native trees. "The colder weather we are now experiencing has slowed the problem, but the key message now is for everyone to play their part before the spring," Ms Beattie said. "If we get a cold winter, and some frosts, that will really set the fruit fly back, killing the flies that survive winter as an adult fly – but we need people to be bait spraying and setting traps.
Source: sunraysiadaily.com.au