Sterile fruit flies take flight following early road release
Thursday 7 August 2025
The resumption of the release of millions of sterile Queensland fruit flies across the Riverland will occur from this week to stop fruit fly outbreaks and protect the region.
Each week, low-flying planes will release the flies across outbreak-affected areas as part of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA’s) sterile insect technique (SIT) program, starting with Renmark and nearby towns.
This pest control method, according to the General Manager of the Fruit Fly Response Program, Jason Size, is a key tactic used to reduce wild fruit fly population and remains a vital part of the broader response strategy.
“When sterile fruit flies mate with wild flies they stop the next generation before it begins, effectively breaking the fruit fly life cycle,” Mr Size said.
“Aerial SIT releases allow us to cover large areas quickly and efficiently, which supports our baiting, surveillance and hygiene activities on the ground.”
Ahead of the scheduled flights, PIRSA took advantage of a surplus of sterile flies in late July and conducted a one-week ground release in selected hotspots with vehicle-mounted units and static bins used to release sterile flies across parts of Renmark, Renmark North, Cooltong, Chaffey, Berri and Glossop.
“We used satellite-based land surface temperature mapping and data to identify areas where fruit fly might still be active, despite the cold winter conditions which discourage fly movement,” Mr Size said.
“While aerial release is our standard method, road or static releases allow us to act quickly when needed, especially in specific locations or where aerial release may not be possible.”
Aerial SIT releases will take place weekly in the Riverland and continue until Autumn 2026. For more information on SIT, visit fruitfly.sa.gov.au/sit or call the 24-hour Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010.
Detections
In the 12-week period from 5 May to 27 July 2025, no fruit flies were detected in 25 of the 56 Riverland outbreak areas. In the same period, some flies were detected in 31 of the 56 Riverland outbreak areas.
Visit fruitfly.sa.gov.au/sit for more information.
Outbreak end dates
The end dates for all outbreaks are as follows:
- Riverland: 23 December 2025
- Ceduna: 11 November 2025
- Glynde: 6 December 2025
- Salisbury North: 6 December 2025
Contact
For more information about fruit fly, self-baiting, or the latest outbreak advice, visit fruitfly.sa.gov.au or call the 24-Hour Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010.
PIRSA Family and Business (FaB) mentors are available to support Riverland residents through this challenging time. FaB mentors are available for a 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 pir.sa.gov.au/fabs or call the FaB mentors directly.