Baiting during almond pollination

Fruit fly bait will be applied in Riverland outbreak areas by PIRSA and commercial growers, except in almond orchards when flowering.

Baiting process

PIRSA will apply bait in the 200 metres around a confirmed fruit fly detection.

Commercial growers registered for the Spring Eradication Plan self-baiting program will apply bait on their own properties in outbreak areas.

Commercial growers with almond orchards who are self-baiting should contact their beekeepers prior to applying bait.

Bee safety

Research shows that honey bees are not attracted to the bait, and impacts on honey bees are minimal, especially once bait has dried.

Bait is not applied onto plants in flower if bees are active. This also prevents direct application, or drift of the bait mix, onto beehives.

Baiting safety during pollination

To manage any risks to honey bees, commercial growers are asked when they register for self-baiting to follow the below procedures, which PIRSA adopts during the different stages of flowering.

During the early flowering period PIRSA will bait properties, but not in almond orchards.

PIRSA will not apply bait in almond orchards when they are in full flower.

The risk of fruit flies being present in almond orchards at these times and under intense bee pressure is likely to be very low.

Almond growers should work with beekeepers to permit hives to be removed from orchards once pollination has finished, in late August.

Early almond flowering period

During the early flowering period PIRSA will bait properties, but not in almond orchards.

Peak flowering period

PIRSA will not apply bait in almond orchards when they are in full flower.

The risk of fruit flies being present in almond orchards at these times and under intense bee pressure is likely to be very low.

End of blossom period

Almond growers should work with beekeepers to permit hives to be removed from orchards once pollination has finished, in late August.

Call 1800 255 556

Page Last Reviewed: 08 Apr 2025