Remain vigilant during seasonal change

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is continuing to see lower numbers of Queensland fruit fly detections in the Riverland, with no detections recorded in 25 of the 58 outbreak areas over the past 12 weeks.

With fruit fly activity largely concentrated in and around Renmark, Monash and Barmera, it’s important for the community to continue the fight against fruit fly, by providing property access for Fruit Fly Response staff to complete their work, following rules around moving restricted produce, and practicing good garden hygiene.

General Manager of the Fruit Fly Response, Jason Size, said Autumn is a key time for home gardens and larger properties.

“As the weather cools, it’s important to keep an eye on new crops coming through, like citrus,” Mr Size said.

“We need the community to stay vigilant with garden hygiene and stay aware of what’s happening on all parts the property.”

With the start of International Compost Awareness Week on 3 May 2026, we remind all South Australian about the extra consideration given to composting in fruit fly outbreak areas.

“Composting is a great way to enrich your garden, but compost can become fruit fly breeding grounds,” Mr Size said.

“If you are in a red outbreak area or a yellow suspension area, you must not compost any restricted fruit or vegetables.”

Composting restricted produce in an outbreak zone can allow fruit fly to breed and survive, even in cooler months.

Any unwanted fruit and vegetables should be double sealed in plastic bags and placed into a general waste bin.

To find out more about protecting gardens from fruit fly, please visit: Protect your home garden from fruit fly.

For more information about fruit fly, self-baiting, or the latest outbreak advice, visit fruitfly or call the 24-Hour Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010.

Current outbreak end dates

As of Monday 27 April 2026, the end dates for all outbreaks are as follows:

• Riverland: 15 December 2026
• Elizabeth East: 7 November 2026

Contact

PIRSA Family and Business (FaB) mentors are available to support Riverland residents through this challenging time. FaB mentors are available for free, informal, confidential, and independent conversation in person or over the phone.

Riverland and Murraylands FaB mentors include Robyn Cain (0411 633 085), John Chase (0419 848 672), and Brent Fletcher (0439 409 430). Learn more at fabs or call the FaB mentors directly.