Latest news with #fruitflies
ABC News
13-05-2025
- General
- ABC News
Fruit fly funding cut sparks fears for future of Goulburn Valley growers
Children gather outside their country school in Australia's fruit bowl, watching as a large, bright yellow sign is slowly taken down from the front fence. For many students at Undera Primary School, near Shepparton in Victoria's Goulburn Valley, the "No Flies On Us" billboard has stood sentinel for as long as they have been alive. It is more than just a sign; it has been a warning, a teaching tool, and a local landmark in one of the country's most imporant fruit-growing regions. Fruit and vegetable growing is an important business in the Goulburn Valley, contributing $1.6 billion in value to the region annually. To help protect that investment, the Victorian government has invested $14 million since 2016 in education programs across three key growing regions, teaching students and gardeners of all ages about the risks posed by fruit flies. But at the end of next month, that funding ends. There are now fears a generational knowledge gap could threaten one of Australia's most important and iconic fruit-growing areas. Fruit flies lay eggs inside fruit and vegetables. When the maggots hatch, they feed on the flesh, rotting it from the inside out. They can be controlled with chemicals, but it is expensive, time-consuming, and can leave residue on produce. Michael Carrafa, business and industry team leader at Greater Shepparton City Council, said the impact of fruit flies extended beyond commercial growers. "It's not just the fruit industry that gets impacted, it's the mums and dads out there," he said. Mr Carrafa said fruit fly numbers were forecast to increase 200 to 600 per cent by 2026, without the program. "We're asking for a million dollars per annum to sustain horticulture within our Goulburn Murray Valley area," he said. The Goulburn Murray program received $4.5 million in government funding across eight years. A short drive out of Shepparton, not too far from the factories in the city's east, rows of fruit trees stand in rows next to a housing estate. It is where Bari Sulejman's family has farmed since arriving from Albania in 1945. He said fruit fly numbers had reached a point where chemical treatments were only just getting the job done. "I'm controlling it, but it's maximum. I can't do any more," he said. "You've got to be careful with chemicals, you've got residue you've got to watch out for so you can't put it on all the time. "If the government cuts funds, especially where I am right here, if the (fruit fly) double up, I may as well retire," he said. The Victorian government said it had invested $14.3 million on fruit fly management since 2016. During a visit to the region last month, Agriculture Minister Ros Spence, said the program was only ever intended to run for a set period of time. She acknowledged the community's concerns. "I have met with growers and their representatives and I'll later be meeting with the mayor" she said. "As to whether or not there are future funds available that will be a matter for the budget, and the budget will be handed down in the usual way in May." The Victorian State Budget will be handed down on May 20. At Undera Primary School, north-west of Shepparton, the sign's removal is met with muted reception from the kids. Each student has some connection to farming and they know what's at stake. Grade six student Anton Lagana's family grows olives, eggplants and melons. "[The orchards] would have to shut down because all the fruit would be infested," he said of a potential outbreak. His classmate, Luke Sturrock, has a more graphic memory. Undera Primary principal Robyn Bell said the students had gained invaluable knowledge through the program, and she's concerned about what happens next. "It's that generational gap," she said. "When we're teaching kids about fruit fly from primary school up, when they're adults, they can bring that information out into the world. "A lot of our students aspire to take on the farm or be farmers like their families, so that knowledge is really important to be passed on."
The Sun
10-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
How to banish pesky fruit flies in five minutes thanks to a 70p trick – and all you need are three basic ingredients
FRUIT flies are known to invade homes during the warmer months, but keeping your home fly-free doesn't need to be such a headache. Although there are plenty of tips and tricks out there you can try out, some of them tend to be pricey - but luckily, one savvy man has come to rescue with the ultimate solution. 2 2 What's more, not only will the trick banish pesky fruit flies for good and it costs just pennies - but you most likely already have all the necessary ingredients. According to the whizz behind this purse-friendly hack, Chris J Carr, the solution is a DIY concoction that costs pennies to make and will give you results in a mere five minutes. Sharing the game-changer of a trick that's sure to come in handy for millions of frustrated Brits this summer, Chris took to Facebook. He wrote in the post: ''With warmer weather on the way, I swear by this trick! ''Just put it in the kitchen, and all flies, mosquitoes, and bugs will go away.'' To whip up the cheap and simple remedy, you will need: 1/2 cup vinegar, 1/2 cup olive oil (or other vegetable oil), as well as 1/2 cup shampoo. When it comes to adding the latter, there's no need to use your fancy shampoo - any cheap discount store version will work just fine ans save you extra cash. Start by mixing all the ingredients together in a bowl and place it in the kitchen, before waiting for the bugs ''to flock to it''. Although Chris had caught dozens of teeny fruit flies in just five minutes, he advised to leave ''the mixture out for a couple of hours or until you feel the insects have been caught.'' If you still spot the annoying flies and mosquitos taking over the kitchen, repeat the process, he added. Gardening hacks to grow fruit from your weekly shop The wallet-friendly hack has since taken the internet by storm, winning savvy Chris more than a whopping 22k likes and close to a staggering 6k comments. One horrified social media user said: ''Good no way I could have that bowl hanging around on my windowsill with all those dead flies in! Yuk!'' Someone else shared their favourite remedy, writing: ''Apple cider vinegar washing up liquid, bingo.'' ''A glass of rosé wine does the same,'' a third reckoned. What can I do to prevent mosquito bites? The Fit for Travel website says if you are travelling to an area affected by diseases such as malaria, dengue fever and yellow fever, spread by mosquitoes, you should take action to protect yourself. Some mosquitoes are more active in the day time while others at night - so it is important to protect yourself at all times. It says: "If you develop a high temperature (fever) either during or after travelling to an affected area, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible and give details of your recent travel history." To protect yourself: Use a good quality insect repellent The higher the strength, the longer the repellent should prevent mosquitoes landing on you. An effective repellent contains at least one of; DEET (50% concentration for areas where there is malaria), Icaradin/Picardin (at least 20% concentration, Eucalyptus citriodora oil, hydrated, cyclized (at least 30% concentration), IR3535 (but not for malaria areas). Apply: On all areas of skin not covered by clothes After sun screen Regularly, particularly if you notice mosquitoes around you After swimming, washing or excessive sweating On the face, by spraying the repellent on the hands first Loose clothing Mosquitoes can bite through tight clothing, so loose-fitted clothing is ideal. Consider a high neckline, long sleeves, long trousers and socks. Remember to apply insect repellent on areas not clothed. Mosquito nets Mosquito nets can protect you at night when sleeping and are even better if treated with insecticide. Check for any holes in the net before using it. If a hole is apparent, then this should be mended. You should tuck the net under your mattress or ground sheet during the night, and either collapse it down, or keep it tucked up during the day to stop insects flying under and into the net. Use an electric fan Most homes already have an electric fan ready for any especially hot days, but did you know you can also use a fan to keep flies away? Since they're pretty weak a strong current can make it tricky for flies to land on any surfaces, keeping them away from your home. You could also try to angle an electric fan out of your window to stop them entering your home. Natural repellents There are loads of different traps and repellents you can try that don't cost a fortune, and for a lot of them you'll already have everything you need at home. John Girvan at Alliance Online Ireland said: "The strong scent of dried basil, mint and bay leaves can be simply left where you tend to find fruit flies which should repel them from the area. "Alternatively, mix water with essential oils like lemongrass, lavender, or eucalyptus which can be sprayed as a natural repellent.'
CNET
07-05-2025
- Health
- CNET
Tired of Fruit Flies Taking Over Your Kitchen? Try These Hacks
Summer is finally here, and while the extra sunshine is great for getting outside, it also means pests are coming out to play. One of the worst? Fruit flies. They show up fast, hang around your food and drinks and seem impossible to get rid of once they're in your home. The good news is you can stop an infestation before it starts, but you'll need the right strategy. Luckily, one expert has a simple trick that actually works. To get an insider's take on fruit fly prevention, we tapped entomologist Jody Green from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Green revealed the leading causes of fruit fly infestations and, most importantly, how to keep these tiny, annoying pests from lingering in your kitchen. Below, you'll find intel and expert tips to help prevent kitchen fruit fly infestations -- or get rid of them if they've already arrived. Read more: Best Bug Sprays What is the main source of fruit fly infestations? Ripe produce and sugary foods are magnets for fruit flies. Helin Loik-Tomson/Getty Images The common name that entomologists give fruit flies is "vinegar flies." That's because they're naturally attracted to fermented liquid, and when fruit rots, it also ferments. But fruit flies don't thrive only on rotten fruit or vinegar. They also love sugary substances like soda, wine and beer, and you can find them in the bottom of your trash bin or any wet place with a substantial food source. "Substantial food source" may mean something different to you than to the small but mighty fruit fly, Green said. "It may not be the food you are wanting to eat, but fruit flies are so tiny it only takes a tiny microhabitat" -- like the residual soda in a can in your recycling bin or leftover bits and crumbs in a takeout container in your garbage, Green explained. Those are prime spots for fruit flies to breed. Once the weather warms, it takes less time for fruit fly eggs to turn into babies. Read more: Keep Bugs Out of Your Kitchen With These Common Houseplants Fruit fly infestation prevention tips Take the garbage out as often as possible during warmer months. Taylor Martin/CNET Cleaning is the key to preventing fruit flies from taking over your kitchen. Keeping your place as dry and free of food as possible prevents pests from continuing their life cycle. Throw away garbage and take out recycling frequently. Clean out the bottom of bins when liquid accumulates, wipe down counters after you're finished cooking, and keep your sink and garbage disposal free of old food, empty of dishes and as dry as possible. Read more: This Magic Kitchen Bin Turns Chicken Bones and Food Scraps Into Dirt Overnight Storing fruits and vegetables in the fridge instead of on the counter will also make it harder for the fruit flies to find them. And since they're attracted to rotting fruit, you should carefully pick your produce at the store to make sure you aren't bringing any rotten or bruised pieces home, Green said. It's especially important to store foods that ferment quickly. Fruit flies thrive on the rot produced by cabbages, strawberries, bananas and other fruits and vegetables that can often break down before you notice them aging out of edibility. Sugary substances should also be stowed away, cups should be lidded or washed out and trash bags should be regularly switched out to prevent fruit fly infestations. She also added that you should recycle or compost cardboard boxes that hold produce as soon as possible because fruit flies could be breeding in them. Any place that catches water or is moist, like a wet kitchen rag or the rug beside the sink, could become a breeding ground for fruit flies. Apart from consulting our experts, we also did some digging on the r/CleaningTips subreddit to see what other people experience. Some users found their issue wasn't fruit flies but fungus gnats. It's worth confirming the infestation by identifying the insect. Many users also noted that an ACV and dish soap trap caught a lot of the flies and helped fight their infestations. What do fruit flies look like? Once fruit flies descend on your kitchen, it's tough to get them to flies are about an eighth of an inch long, have red eyes (though some species have darker eyes) and are light brown with dark rings around their abdomen. They also have two wings (many insects have four). For more home tips, here are the best air purifiers for clean air and the best cordless vacuums. Fruit Fly FAQs Can I get fruit flies without leaving out fruit? Yes, you can get fruit flies even if you don't leave fruits and vegetables outside of the fridge. Though fruit flies are attracted to fermented fruits and vegetables, they also love sugary substances. The flies will similarly swarm wine, beer, soda and other sugary liquids if you leave cups of them around the house. How clean do I need to be to avoid a fruit fly infestation? Fruit flies are able to subsist off very small amounts of food or drink -- the scraps of a takeout box or the soda left at the bottom of a can, for instance. You'll want to make sure you wash out any container before placing it in the trash can or recycling bin, especially in warmer months when fruit flies are breeding at a rapid pace.
