Fruit Fly Invasion in Redland Update. By Geniusofdespair

 I reported on a Fruit Fly invasion and subsequent quarantine in the Redland (South Miami-Dade County) on September 12th. Today I asked for an update from farmers on what is going on.

Farmers tell me they have to spray with a special insect bait every week in order to move fruit to market. Also they have to have copies of a compliance agreement, trip tickets and inspection reports. 

U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors are all over checking for folks moving fruit not in compliance. As of now the quarantine will be lifted on 2/15/2016 if no more flies are found.

Another Farmer sent this...

Please find attached the Oriental Fruit Fly update for 12/28/2015:

Please note the adjusted Quarantine end date is now 2/13/2016, based on temperature projections that affects the OFF life cycle and provided there are no additional finds.

Fly Count:
Daily Finds: 0      
Total count to date: 165
Date of first find: Aug. 26, 2015
Date of Last Find: 10/10/15, 79 Days of no Oriental Fruit Flies Found.

Estimated end date of quarantine: 02/13/2016  (based on temperature projections that affect OFF life cycles and provided there are no additional finds).

He said the December rains wiped out plantings for many row crops and ruined the crops of others before they could be harvested (fungal rot).