Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What should I do if I've found maggots in my fruit?
A. If you suspect you have found Queensland fruit fly maggots (larvae), please contact DPI by calling the Customer Service Centre on 136 186
Q. What can people in a fruit fly affected area do?
A. Residents can reduce the spread of fruit fly by looking after any host trees they may have. All host fruit should be picked and used as it ripens, with nothing allowed to fall and rot on the ground. Host trees in home gardens should also be pruned to a height which allows fruit to be easily picked.
Unwanted home-grown fruit should be placed in an intact plastic bag, sealed, and either left in the sun for at least a week or placed in a freezer for two days, in order to kill any fruit fly maggots which may be present. The bag can then be disposed of in the rubbish bin.
Unwanted fruit should not be composted or placed directly into the garbage.
Residents are also asked to assist by allowing a DPI officer to inspect their garden if requested to do so.
Q. I've arrived home and found I've accidentally carried some fruit with me from my interstate trip. How should I dispose of it?
A. Cook or eat the fruit, or place in a plastic bag and place in hard rubbish. Do not throw any part of the fruit in a green waste bin or compost heap.
More information can be found on the Queensland fruit fly page.
Q. I think that I've found a fire ant nest. Who should I tell?
A. Red imported fire ants are a serious pest currently only found in Queensland . The establishment of these ants in Victoria would be an economic and environmental disaster. Report suspected fire ants by calling the Customer Service Centre on 136 186. For more information, visit Queensland DPI&F.
Q. Can I export commercial lots of potted plants from Victoria to other areas of Australia?
A. Yes, however there are conditions for movement to any other state. Contact your nearest Plant Standards Office to obtain information on these conditions.
Q. Can I import commercial lots of fruit from other areas of Australia into Victoria?
A. Yes, however restrictions may apply. These restrictions are in place to prevent the introduction of pests and disease into Victoria, such as Queensland fruit fly and Fire Ants. To obtain further information on restrictions, contact your nearest Plant Standards Office.
Q. Can I take plants, fruit, vegetables and other plant products when I travel within Victoria?
A. Yes you can, but there are controls in place covering certain declared areas to prevent the movement of pests such as Queensland fruit fly or grape phylloxera into or out of the area. Contact your nearest Plant Standards Office to find out where these areas are, what the restrictions are, and further information.
Q. Can I take small quantities of plants, fruit, vegetables and other plant products from Victoria into other states?
A. Yes, but there usually restrictions. Take a look at the Traveller's guide to Australian interstate quarantine, which is a quick reference guide to help you as you travel.
Q. I would like to transport some grapevine material within Victoria or into another state. What should I do?
A. All other states have restrictions on the movement of grapevine material so as to prevent the movement of the pest grape phylloxera. Contact your nearest Plant Standards Office to check on these restrictions.
Q. I want to import animal fodder into Victoria. What do I need to know?
A. There are restrictions on the movement of animal fodder due to diseases such as lupin anthracnose and annual ryegrass toxicity. For further information contact Plant Standards Branch on (03) 8371 3500 or email plant.standards@dpi.vic.gov.au.
Further Information
For other enquiries, please contact the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186.
