News

Spring Clean your garden

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 04:31:00

You’ve spring cleaned your home – now what? Spring is also a great time to freshen up your garden and get it in shape for the warmer months ahead.

Maintaining and planning your garden is the key to keeping out Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) – and the Greater Sunraysia Pest Free Area (GSPFA) is here to help.

“We can do the hard work in your garden and remove any trees that are prone to fruit fly attack and are no longer wanted,” GSPFA regional coordinator Narelle Beattie said.

“Now the weather is warming up, Qfly is becoming more active and looking for fruit to lay eggs into, so it’s the perfect time to sign up to the free tree removal program.”

Almost 8000 trees have been removed across the greater Sunraysia region since the program began about three years ago.

“Residents in Mildura, Merbein, Irymple, Red Cliffs and surrounds have done an amazing job in the fight against fruit fly, with 4657 people choosing to have their fruit trees removed so far,” Ms Beattie said.

“Let’s keep up the great work this fruit fly season. If you’re a Victorian resident living between Yelta and Kerang, either in town or on a residential block in a rural area, you can have your fruit trees removed for free by a professional arborist.”

Ms Beattie said growing trees and plants that aren’t a preferred host for Qfly was a good option for people who still want some home-grown produce.

“The recent rains have made conditions perfect for planting vegetable seedlings and sowing seeds,” she said.

“If you are growing fruiting vegetables prone to fruit fly, such as tomatoes, capsicums, chillies and eggplants, consider using an insect net. Allow time for beneficial insects like bees to access the plants before applying nets, but make sure you get them on before fruit set.”

To register for free tree removal, and for many more tips to help you control Qfly in your garden, contact GSPFA on 03 5022 0327 or visit the new-look website at www.pestfreearea.com.au.

This work is funded by the Victorian Government’s Managing Fruit Fly Regional Grants program.