Fruit fly netting

As we live in SE Queensland near the coast we have an ongoing battle with fruit fly. This native fly stings developing fruit and lays an egg that hatches into a maggot that spoils the fruit as it ripens.

We have tried different ways of combating this fly (but not spraying, as we are against using such chemicals in our yard). Over the years we have tried the pheromone traps and a laced ( spinosad) protein lure with modest success.

However the best solution seems to be netting.

This solution was shared with us via a member of a garden club we belong to - Tamborine Sustainable Gardeners Society.


Parts:

Star pickets - mine are 1.8m from memory
50mm rural b poly pipe - green stripe
Fruit fly netting

Be careful buying the polypipe - it needs to fit over a star picket. I bought some 50mm blue stripe and it didn't fit easily and I then had to use some old galvanised pipe instead.


Hammer the star pickets in - clearing each corner of the fruit tree
Place poly pipe over 2 star pickets to create a hoop over the tree and repeat for the other 2 star pickets. Tie at top to stabilise.

This creates a frame over the fruit tree. This can stay in place and be adjusted if needs be, depending on the growth of the tree and pruning.

After pollination has occurred throw over the netting- I use a leaf rake to manoeuvre the netting especially to get it over the top of the hoop.

As fruit flies fly down to sting the fruit it is not too important about securing the bottom. However, I also have had a problem with rats eating the fruit and now use logs/timber around the base to try and exclude them. Last year, in desperation, I even tied up our dog (in a temporary kennel) nearby to scare them away as the were chewing through the netting to get at the fruit.

I can't advise about where to get ff netting as we got ours via our garden club including some at the right price (ie no cost!) as it was storm damaged and needed minor repair ( fix any holes with a darning needle and fishing nylon).

After harvest I remove the netting and store it away for reuse.

Tom


Less posts next month as I have to prepare a presentation at a conference I am attending - probably only 1post /week. Posts to come on dandelion , mallow and then some non edible weeds but interesting though.

100mm rain yesterday - water tanks overflowing