Mediterranean Fruit Fly

Mediterranean fruit fly or Medfly (Ceratitis capitata) is a serious horticultural pest in Western Australia (see map). It attacks many fruits and some vegetables. For decades, Medfly was controlled by cover spraying of orchards and post-harvest dipping with organo-phosphate insecticides, particularly dimethoate and fenthion.

Use of these chemicals is now restricted because of fears about human health and residue levels. Suspension by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority particularly affects crops with edible peel Dimethoate, Fenthion).

Without the traditional cover spray chemicals control of Medfly is most effective if carried out as part of an area-wide management program

Signs that Medfly is active include stings on fruit when female flies lay their eggs in ripening fruit which hatch into larvae.

Fly presence can be checked by trapping . Traps should be checked weekly. Action needs to be taken if the number of Medfly caught exceeds one fly/trap/week.

Control strategies are recommended see Bait spraying, Cover spraying and Lure and Kill devices (Click Link for PDF): For other relevant information on Medfly Position, summaries and updates (Click Links for PDF):

Under the Plant Diseases Act the control of Mediterranean fruit fly is compulsory. Trees must be treated, infected fruit picked and all fallen fruit gathered from the ground. Fruit disposal is the grower's responsibility and may include boiling, freezing and other methods. Burial and mulching are not ideal as the Medfly larvae may survive. Neglect could lead to prosecution.

Any landowner concerned about a nearby property should contact their local industry organisation, for example Fruit West.