WIMMERA and Mallee residents are encouraged to look out for Queensland fruit fly this spring after the pest was found in Warracknabeal earlier this year.
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Queensland fruit flies have also been found in other towns in the region such as Wycheproof and Charlton.
Fruit flies become more active as the weather warms up and they will target ripening fruit and vegetables including stonefruit, tomatoes, capsicums, eggplants and citrus.
Agriculture Victoria fruit fly action plan senior project officer Jane Ryan said Queensland fruit fly was a serious horticultural pest.
She said it could destroy home gardens and commercial horticultural production if not properly managed.
"Fruit flies are usually active from September to May, so now is the time to keep a look out at in your garden or on your farm to see if they are present," Ms Ryan said.
"Fruit flies can spread quickly, so community involvement is essential to monitor and control it.
"One way fruit flies can spread is through movement of fruit and vegetables, so it's important not to travel with home grown fruit."
Ms Ryan advised all Wimmera and Mallee residents to not accept home grown fruit and vegetables from friends or family who have travelled from infested areas.
"Infested fruit must be disposed of properly, such as putting them in the sun in a sealed plastic bag to destroy eggs and maggots - do not put them in compost," she said.
"Male monitoring traps can identify whether Queensland fruit fly is in the area, and let you know whether it's time to ramp up your management."
For the greatest chance of successful control, Ms Ryan encouraged people to speak to their neighbours for a consistent approach.
She also urged people to be especially vigilant if they had fruit trees in their garden.
"If you have fruit trees in your garden but don't manage them, it's best to remove them so they don't become a haven for fruit fly and grow a population in your area," Ms Ryan said.
She said there were a number of techniques people could apply in their gardens to combat fruit fly.
- Follow a good garden hygiene such as picking fruit and vegetables as they ripen
- Dispose of unwanted fruit and scraps carefully
- Regularly monitor for presence in your garden
- Protect trees, plants and produce through netting, gazebos and bags
- Use baits and traps
- Use insecticide control
She said more information could be found at Agriculture Victoria's website.
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