Como and surrounding suburbs residents called on to help stamp out Qld fruit fly

COMO residents and people in surrounding suburbs have been called on to support efforts to stamp out the destructive pest Queensland fruit fly (Qfly).

It follows recent detections of 16 Qflies in traps in the area, which form part of the state’s early warning trapping system for the fruit pest.

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development biosecurity manager Rosalie McCauley said a Quarantine Area applying to all or parts of Como, Karawara, South Perth and Kensington would came into effect on May 5, to prevent any potential spread of the pest.

“This means residents must not move any home-grown fruit or vegetables such as tomatoes, chillies or capsicums out of this area unless it has been cooked or preserved,” she said.

“Residents are also asked to assist by removing ripening fruit from their trees and picking up any fallen fruit.

“The fruit can be eaten, cooked, frozen or disposed of by securing it in a heavy duty plastic bag and placing it in direct sunlight for at least three days. Untreated host fruit should not be placed into compost.”

Qfly is a destructive fruit pest, attacking a range of fruits and some vegetables.

It is found in some other parts of Australia but WA is considered free of the pest.

Department staff are visiting properties close to where the flies have been trapped to carry out inspections.

Additional fruit fly traps have been set up in the area and officers will be baiting nearby trees and verges.

Ms McCauley said they appreciated support from residents to allow them access to their yards and in adhering to the quarantine requirements.

“It is vital we work together to eradicate this pest, to support our valuable horticultural industries and those who would like to continue producing home-grown fruit and vegetables,” she said.

Incursions of Qfly have been eradicated from Perth five times since the 1980s, most recently in April this year in Fremantle where the pest was successfully eradicated thanks to support from the community for the department’s response.

The measures will likely remain in place until at least October 2018.

Residents who suspect they have seen Qfly or have fruit that is not normally infested with fruit fly can call the department’s Pest and Disease Information Service on 9368 3080.

MORE: Asbestos found at Scarborough foreshore redevelopment

MORE: Boy arrested on robbery charge after ‘flipping off’ police

MORE: Man fined for allowing pool to become infested with mosquitoes

MORE: Singapore Airlines’ first 787 Dreamliner touches down at Perth Airport