The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced late last week that during routine fruit fly monitoring, a trap containing suspect Mediterranean fruit flies -- or Medflies -- was collected in Boca Raton. Since the initial find, more than 2000 additional traps have been set out and more wild flies have been detected. The flies have been found on traps in mango, loquat and sour orange trees.

"This is a disturbing find," said Commissioner Charles Bronson. "We, along with our federal partners, are mobilizing all available personnel to the area to begin intensive trapping and to address survey, control, regulatory, public information and environmental monitoring. This is a dangerous pest and we will commit the necessary resources to control this recent outbreak."

According to the Department, this represents the first major outbreak of Medfly since 1997. To address the current outbreak of Medflies, additional traps are being placed in an 81-square-mile area around each positive find.

The Medfly is considered the most serious of the world's fruit fly pests due to its potential economic harm and threat to our food supply. It attacks more than 250 different fruits, vegetables and nuts, including oranges, grapefruit, lemons, apples, guava, mango, tomatoes and peppers. The flies' eggs are laid in the fruit and develop into maggots causing the fruit to rot. They then emerge as adults once the fruit falls to the ground. Medflies breed continuously when host fruits are available. Population growth may be explosive, as females are capable of producing hundreds of eggs.

State and federal agencies will work with local governments to keep the public involved and to provide updated and accurate information. More information, including maps of the infested areas and detailed information on the Medfly, can be found by clicking here. You can also call the department's toll-free help number at 888-397-1517.