Stop the spread of fruit flies

AGRICULTURE Victoria is asking vegetable and fruit home-growers to share left over produce with friends and neighbours as to not attract Queensland fruit flies, which can survive cooler weather.

Agriculture Victoria state-wide fruit fly coordinator Cathy Mansfield said nothing needs to be “bounty fresh.”

“Cut it up and use it to make preserves or pastes as this will go a long way to stopping the spread of QFF around your neighbourhood,” she said.

“Cutting open fruit and vegetables is one of the best ways to check for QFF.

“Whether you’re part of a big family sauce day or working solo in the kitchen, keep an eye out for creamy-coloured maggots inside your plums, peaches, quinces or tomatoes.”

Maggot-infested fruit and vegetables need to be sealed, frozen for two days in a plastic bag, boiled or microwaved to ensure the bugs are dead.

If you’re going to dispose of fruit or veggies, make sure no fruit flies survive by double-sealing produce in two bags and putting it in the sun for two weeks. Old produce is not green waste. Visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/qff.