The Oriental Fruit Fly is a non-indigenous insect that threatens the agricultural commodities grown in Miami-Dade County. The Oriental Fruit Fly is one of the world’s most invasive fruit flies, attacking over 430 different species of fruits, vegetables and nuts. If this insect proliferates in the continental U.S., it can potentially ravage commercial agriculture making it difficult and extremely expensive to grow fruit, nuts and vegetables.
On Sept. 15, 2015, the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putman declared a state of agricultural emergency due to the Oriental Fruit Fly infestation in Miami-Dade County. “The Oriental Fruit Fly is one of the world's most destructive pests and poses a significant threat to Florida's $123 billion agriculture industry and the 2 million jobs it supports,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putman. “Miami-Dade County's agriculture industry is a $1.6 billion industry, and we will use every weapon in our arsenal that's necessary to eradicate this pest and protect Florida agriculture and our economy.”

As a result of the fruit fly infestation in the Redland area, a 97-square mile quarantine is currently in effect. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) announced that with the assistance of Miami-Dade County will conduct aerial spraying of a product known as Spinosad, (GR-112 NF NaturalyteTM Fruit Fly Bait), which is a broad-spectrum insecticide that is approved for use by organic growers. The amount of Spinosad being applied aerially is a lower concentration than most products used by general consumers. Spinosad is a common ingredient used in lawn and garden products sold at local stores.

The FDACS will be reaching out to individuals who are registered with Miami-Dade County as beekeepers, fish farmers, stakeholders and those with chemical sensitivities who may need to make adjustments in advance of an aerial spraying.

For more information on the Oriental Fruit Fly including maps of the spray area, visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website or call their help line at 1-888-397-1517.