04-07-2025
Fruit fly invasion from Egypt hits Tel Aviv
Published July 4th, 2025 - 12:31 GMT
ALBAWABA - Concern has been raised by farmers and environmental organizations over the recent invasion of central Israel, including Tel Aviv and the surrounding agricultural areas, by large swarms of fruit flies that are native to Egypt. Hot southern breezes that brought the insect into Israel from Egypt's Nile Delta have been blamed for the unexpected breakout. Also Read Israeli soldiers killing each other amid heavy censorship in Gaza
The invading bug is a variety of fruit fly that is notorious for causing damage to crops, according to confirmation from the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture. This specific species burrows into fruits and causes interior rot that makes them unsellable, attacking them before they are completely ripe. Orchards and fruit farms, particularly those that cultivate citrus, figs, and soft fruits like peaches and apricots, have already sustained significant damage, according to farmers in the impacted areas.
Environmental experts are keeping a careful eye on the situation and are warning that if the fly' expansion is not stopped, it might harm local agriculture in the long run and jeopardize fruit that is suitable for export. In addition to encouraging farmers to report infestations as soon as possible, the ministry has implemented emergency pest control tactics, such as the deployment of pheromone traps and aerial spraying. — الشبيبة (@shabiba) July 3, 2025
Experts point out that containment is especially challenging because the fruit fly species in question has a brief reproductive cycle and can produce hundreds of eggs in a matter of days. Its larvae eat inside the fruit and frequently show no outward symptoms, which causes crop loss and delayed identification.
Although southern breezes have historically helped agricultural pests spread between nearby nations, many farmers have been taken aback by the scope of the current outbreak. To determine the full extent of the infestation and create a longer-term control plan, the Ministry of Agriculture is working in tandem with entomologists and local authorities.
In the meantime, swarms of insects have been spotted in Tel Aviv's parks, gardens, and marketplaces, causing public unease in the city. There are increasing calls for cross-border collaboration, with experts stressing that in order to stop future outbreaks, Israel and Egypt must have coordinated pest monitoring systems.
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