MSU Extension began trapping for the pest

MSU Extension began trapping for the pest MSU Extension began trapping for the pest in June at the urging of Rufus Isaacs, a university entomology various professor. By late summer, the fly had been found in five western Michigan counties. Last week, researchers found flies at a rest stop in Ionia along I-96 as well as at a research farm in Ingham County.And last Saturday, more evidence turned up in northwest Genesee County meaning the fly's presence has been confirmed in areas that are more than 100 miles apart.

"We're not sure how they got here or why, but so far we've tracked over 3,500 flies here in Michigan," said Bob Tritten, a district fruit educator for MSUE. "Most likely, with the number we've found and the fact we've found them in several locations, it's a fairly large population."

One hope for Michigan fruit growers is that spotted wing Drosophilas won't survive Michigan's winters. But the fact that MSUE researchers began finding the flies shortly after they began trapping for them creates the possibility they've already been in the state for more than one season, Tritten said.