City fruit fly hotspots targeted

People who live in these suburbs are being asked to remove at-risk fruit and vegetables from trees and plants as soon as possible.

This action is needed to help protect the $1.3-billion SA horticulture industry that is at risk from fruit fly, representing 37,500 jobs and around 4000 businesses.

Department of Primary Industries and Regions staff, who will be easily recognisable by their orange overalls, will begin doorknocking in the area to inform residents and help with the removal of at-risk produce.

Primary Industries Minister David Basham said a significant rise in fruit fly detections in Prospect and Stepney means the state government must act quickly.

"This week we will begin a blitz in selected areas of Prospect and Stepney, door-knocking around 1500 households in these identified hot-spot areas to help remove at-risk fruit and vegetables from home gardens," he said.

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"In an effort to reduce the risk of fruit fly spreading further we are asking residents to pick all their ripe summer fruit and vegetables from trees and plants as soon as possible, and our authorised PIRSA staff will be seeking entry to properties to assist in removing at-risk produce.

"We have seen a steep rise in fruit fly detections in these areas last week and this is an emergency response to step up our eradication activities.

"If you're not home when we doorknock at your property, you'll be left a letter with information about the operation that's underway and how to contact PIRSA to arrange for staff to access your property to assist with clearing fruit.

"We are encouraging homeowners to eat, use or preserve the picked fruit and vegetables where possible, but if you can't please dispose of the waste in your green bin.

"We cannot let this pest take hold - we have to get the fruit before the fruit fly does."