Fruit fly doesn’t take a holiday: one piece of fruit is all it takes

As South Australians hit the road for summer holidays, the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is celebrating major victories in the fight against fruit fly, while reminding travellers not to undo the progress by letting fruit hitch a ride.

Through a coordinated effort led by PIRSA’s Fruit Fly Response, fruit fly has been eradicated in Swan Reach, Ceduna and Salisbury North.

These milestones mark a significant step forward for growers, regional communities and the state’s $1.3 billion horticulture industry.

These outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness of PIRSA’s Response, which has included the release of more than 4 billion sterile fruit flies since 2020, used strategically to help break the life cycle of remaining wild flies, and support eradication.

However, with holiday traffic increasing and eskies packed for summer getaways, PIRSA says the risk of fruit fly rises sharply during peak travel periods.

“Every summer we see the same challenge. People on the move, and fresh fruit and veg coming with them,” said Jason Size, General Manager of the Fruit Fly Response.

“It only takes one piece of fruit in the wrong place to set us back.”

Travellers are reminded not to take fresh host fruit or vegetables while travelling into South Australia or the Riverland or risk a $420 fine at a random roadblock or quarantine station. To make compliance easy, bright yellow quarantine bins remain across major travel routes to dispose of fruit.

Mr Size said these simple actions by travellers were critical to protecting the progress already made.

“We’ve proven eradication is possible.”

“As we head into 2026, let’s protect the wins we’ve made. Whether you’re heading on holiday, tending a backyard tree, or biting into a summer peach, your choices can help keep South Australia fruit fly free.”

PIRSA field teams will remain active throughout the holiday period, excluding Sundays and public holidays, carrying out regular monitoring, baiting and checks across affected areas to quickly respond to any new detections.

For more information about travel restrictions, current outbreaks, treatment methods, or disposal bin locations, visit fruitfly.sa.gov.au or call the 24-Hour Fruit Fly Hotline on 1300 666 010.