3 More Medflies Trapped

Three more wild Mediterranean fruit flies have been found in Lake Forest, bringing to 10 the total number found since July.

The three flies were trapped within the 62-square-mile agricultural quarantine zone established after the first flies were found.

The latest find–two adult males and a mated female–were trapped on private property near Ankerton Drive and Maryvine Street.

As a result, state agricultural officials say they will resume treating trees in the area with a mixture of corn-based syrup bait and malathion. The first of the three ground sprayings, a technique used earlier after the first flies were found, is expected to be administered Saturday.

In addition, the officials say, they plan to continue sampling fruit to determine whether other fruit flies are present, as well as releasing sterile medflies over Lake Forest to reduce the infestation.

Mediterranean fruit flies lay their eggs beneath the skin of ripening fruit, rendering it inedible and unmarketable. They are known to infest more than 250 varieties of fruits, nuts and vegetables.