Is Your Garden in Danger? Shocking 'Red Zone' Declaration Forces Homeowners to Take Drastic Action!
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As Australian homeowners, we often take pride in our lush backyards and the bountiful harvests they provide. But what happens when an invisible threat looms over our cherished gardens, forcing us to take drastic measures? This is the reality for some Perth residents who have found themselves amid a 'red zone' due to the invasion of the Queensland fruit fly, a pest that can wreak havoc on local horticulture.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has declared a quarantine area in Perth's south after detecting the Queensland fruit fly in two suburbs. This has led to a worrying situation for homeowners like Lorraine Harrison, a nurse who, along with her husband, has dedicated five years to creating a backyard oasis in Alfred Cove. The couple was 'shocked' to learn that their home was in the outbreak's red zone, and the consequences have been nothing short of 'heartbreaking.'
Like many others in the affected area, the Harrisons have had to remove an entire year's worth of garden production. This included kilos of grapes, hundreds of figs, 80 persimmons, and countless other fruits. 'A lot of effort has gone into nurturing the trees and being responsible for preventing and controlling Mediterranean fruit flies. This process has been quite heartbreaking,' Lorraine expressed.
The Queensland fruit fly is a familiar adversary to Australian gardens. Native to eastern Queensland and northeast New South Wales, it has spread to various urban and horticultural areas across the country. Perth has successfully eradicated it nine times since 1989, and authorities are determined to do so again. To prevent further spread and protect the state's horticulture industry, residents and businesses in the red zone must remove all fruit and fruiting vegetables from their gardens, including any fallen fruit.
DPIRD officers are conducting inspections and baiting both street and residential properties. The fruit and vegetables can be consumed if treated by cooking, processing, freezing, or solarising. Any remaining fruit must be disposed of in a black plastic bag and placed in the general waste bin—not in recycling or organic waste bins. Fortunately, the trees themselves do not need to be removed.
Despite the distress, Lorraine feels relieved knowing she's not contributing to the pest's spread. 'We have a good chance of succeeding if we follow the rules, and the more people that do it, the better,' she said. 'We are 100 per cent guaranteed of failure if we flout the rules. So that is a bit of a no-brainer when choosing one’s course of action.'
Lorraine's garden, once a 'giant sand pit,' now hosts a variety of fruit trees, medicinal herbs, and edible flowers. It's a testament to her dedication to organic gardening and pest control through natural predators like frogs, insects, lizards, and birds. The garden has provided a bounty of fruits and physical and mental health benefits.
As an admin of several gardening Facebook groups, Lorraine takes her role as an ambassador of responsible gardening practices seriously. She urges fellow gardeners to comply with DPIRD's guidelines to prevent the spread of the Queensland fruit fly. 'Though it seems a tragedy to get rid of one’s fruit for the year, it is worthwhile following DPIRD recommendations out of duty to other gardeners and to WA’s horticultural industry,' she advises.
For those in the red zone, the DPIRD recommends treating the fruit before disposal to ensure any potential eggs and larvae are destroyed. Lorraine has been cooking all unripe fruit thoroughly before composting it as a precautionary measure.
This situation is a stark reminder of the delicate balance between nature and our gardening endeavours. It also highlights the importance of community action in the face of agricultural threats. Suppose you're in a red zone or concerned about the Queensland fruit fly. In that case, staying informed and taking the necessary steps to protect your garden and support the wider horticultural community is crucial.
Have you been affected by the Queensland fruit fly or similar pests? What measures have you taken to safeguard your garden? Share your experiences and tips with us in the comments below. Your story could help others navigate these challenging situations and preserve the beauty and bounty of their gardens.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has declared a quarantine area in Perth's south after detecting the Queensland fruit fly in two suburbs. This has led to a worrying situation for homeowners like Lorraine Harrison, a nurse who, along with her husband, has dedicated five years to creating a backyard oasis in Alfred Cove. The couple was 'shocked' to learn that their home was in the outbreak's red zone, and the consequences have been nothing short of 'heartbreaking.'
Like many others in the affected area, the Harrisons have had to remove an entire year's worth of garden production. This included kilos of grapes, hundreds of figs, 80 persimmons, and countless other fruits. 'A lot of effort has gone into nurturing the trees and being responsible for preventing and controlling Mediterranean fruit flies. This process has been quite heartbreaking,' Lorraine expressed.
A Perth homeowner's garden was declared part of a 'red zone' due to a Queensland fruit fly outbreak, leading to the sacrifice of homegrown fruit. Credit: Facebook
The Queensland fruit fly is a familiar adversary to Australian gardens. Native to eastern Queensland and northeast New South Wales, it has spread to various urban and horticultural areas across the country. Perth has successfully eradicated it nine times since 1989, and authorities are determined to do so again. To prevent further spread and protect the state's horticulture industry, residents and businesses in the red zone must remove all fruit and fruiting vegetables from their gardens, including any fallen fruit.
DPIRD officers are conducting inspections and baiting both street and residential properties. The fruit and vegetables can be consumed if treated by cooking, processing, freezing, or solarising. Any remaining fruit must be disposed of in a black plastic bag and placed in the general waste bin—not in recycling or organic waste bins. Fortunately, the trees themselves do not need to be removed.
Despite the distress, Lorraine feels relieved knowing she's not contributing to the pest's spread. 'We have a good chance of succeeding if we follow the rules, and the more people that do it, the better,' she said. 'We are 100 per cent guaranteed of failure if we flout the rules. So that is a bit of a no-brainer when choosing one’s course of action.'
Lorraine's garden, once a 'giant sand pit,' now hosts a variety of fruit trees, medicinal herbs, and edible flowers. It's a testament to her dedication to organic gardening and pest control through natural predators like frogs, insects, lizards, and birds. The garden has provided a bounty of fruits and physical and mental health benefits.
As an admin of several gardening Facebook groups, Lorraine takes her role as an ambassador of responsible gardening practices seriously. She urges fellow gardeners to comply with DPIRD's guidelines to prevent the spread of the Queensland fruit fly. 'Though it seems a tragedy to get rid of one’s fruit for the year, it is worthwhile following DPIRD recommendations out of duty to other gardeners and to WA’s horticultural industry,' she advises.
For those in the red zone, the DPIRD recommends treating the fruit before disposal to ensure any potential eggs and larvae are destroyed. Lorraine has been cooking all unripe fruit thoroughly before composting it as a precautionary measure.
This situation is a stark reminder of the delicate balance between nature and our gardening endeavours. It also highlights the importance of community action in the face of agricultural threats. Suppose you're in a red zone or concerned about the Queensland fruit fly. In that case, staying informed and taking the necessary steps to protect your garden and support the wider horticultural community is crucial.
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