Help protect your citrus from fruit fly this winter
Saturday 5 July 2025
As the crisp days of winter settle in, so too does one of South Australia’s juiciest times of year: citrus season. Oranges, mandarins, lemons and grapefruits are ripening across backyards and orchards, making winter a critical time to take simple actions that help stop the spread of fruit fly. It’s crucial to remain vigilant against Queensland fruit fly during the colder months.
How to prevent fruit fly in your garden
Pick your fruit promptly and prune
Promptly pick your ripe fruit and vegetables. Prune fruit trees so you can pick them more easily next season.
Collect fallen fruit
Regularly remove any fruit from the ground. Picking up fallen fruit from your garden floor helps break the fruit fly life cycle. It prevents potential fruit fly maggots from burying into the soil and developing into adult flies.
- Do not compost during outbreaks.
- Learn how to safely dispose of restricted fruit and vegetable waste during an outbreak.
Check for signs of fruit fly
Be on the lookout for fruit fly damage. Early detection is key. Learn how to identify fruit fly by checking for maggots and blemishes.
Call
If you suspect fruit fly, seal the fruit in an airtight container and call the Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010.
Know your zone/area
If you're in or near a current outbreak or suspension area, make sure you’re following the correct movement restrictions. Home-grown host produce cannot be moved from properties in red outbreak zones. Check the outbreak map to see which restrictions apply to you.
More information
- Learn which host fruits and vegetables are at risk from fruit fly.
- Read how to protect your home garden from fruit fly.
- Understand the outbreak restrictions in South Australia.
- Contact the Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010 if you have any questions.
- Subscribe for email updates.