More fruit flies found in Grey Lynn

A fruit fly warning sign on the corner of Sandringham Road and Royal Terrace. Photo: Brett Phibbs.

Another Queensland fruit fly has been found today in central Auckland, taking the toll to eight.

The adult male was found in a trap in the central zone.

Two male fruit flies were detected in separate traps on Wednesday close to the main affected property.

The Ministry for Primary Industries says it remains confident it is dealing with a localised population of fruit fly that can be eradicated.

DNA testing of the five fruit flies found has revealed all flies are genetically similar to the larvae found in fruit at the affected property.

Traps are expected to find further fruit flies.

During a previous eradication programme of the Mediterranean fruit fly in Auckland in 1996, 41 adult flies were detected before the pest was declared eradicated.

Field work continues to focus on the surveillance trapping system, which aims to capture any male fruit flies present in the area, and ultimately inform us that the eradication is successful.

Field teams are also applying insecticide bait throughout the Controlled Area, informing residents about the controls and inspecting gardens and rubbish bins
Insecticide bait is being spot applied as a squirt onto fruiting trees and plants throughout the controlled areas.

This bait contains a protein that attracts both male and female fruit flies and a small amount of fipronil insecticide, which is an insecticide used most commonly in pet flea collars.

Targeted ground spraying of insecticide is only taking place at properties where fruit flies, larvae or pupae have been found - to date there is just the one property.

The product used is bifenthrin - a treatment that is safe for use in residential areas because it has been proven to do no harm to people, or animals such as family pets or livestock. Because of this it is one of the most common insect treatments found in products sold in supermarkets and hardware stores.

Approximately 180 field staff are out today from MPI, operations provider AsureQuality and partners, including Auckland Council and the horticulture industry.

Approximately 80 people are working on the operation in MPI's Wellington Head office.

Controls are in place restricting the movement of fruit and some vegetables out of a specified Controlled Area.