Statement following house fly infestation

Councillor Martyn Jones, local member for Bettws and Cabinet Member for Education and Youth Services, said: “Environmental health officers from the Shared Regulatory Service (SRS) are continuing their efforts to identify the source of an infestation of house flies, largely found in homes in the Bettws area.

“Officers are visiting various locations across Bridgend County Borough to determine why the insects – which have been identified as musca domestica, or common house flies - have suddenly started to appear in large numbers within the local community.

“Officials are continuing to liaise with other regulators so that appropriate action can be taken to address the problem once the source has been confirmed.”

“Any potential sources of the infestation have been visited to ensure that there are no ongoing accumulations and/or practices which could be prolonging the current infestation.

“Cllr Hywel Williams, Cabinet Member responsible for SRS, and I are regularly briefed on the progress of this investigation and will continue to be until the situation is resolved.”

Top tips for dealing with ‘Musca domestica’, the common house fly:

• Try to limit leaving out uncovered items that might attract house flies, such as pet food.
• Keep fruit in the fridge instead of in a bowl – once it goes off, it will attract flies.
• Clean up any spillages, even water, immediately as they will attract flies.
• If you have litter trays for pets, dispose of any waste promptly.
• Dispose of all food waste using a food caddy or a bin with a lid.
• Keep the lids shut on your outdoor bins, and if possible, do not place them near doors and windows.
• Make full use of the household recycling system, and request replacements for any containers that may be broken.
• Avoid leaving doors or windows open if you have a light switched on.
• You can encourage flies to leave a room by switching off the light and leaving your curtains and a window open – the flies will exit via the window towards daylight.
• Local shops sell zappers, flypaper and sprays in a range of natural and environmentally friendly options.
• You can also make your own trap by placing a bowl of cider vinegar mixed with a squirt of washing-up liquid on a stable surface.
• Certain natural smells repel flies – try dabbing eucalyptus oil onto a cloth and hanging it near a door or window, placing mint on kitchen windowsills, spraying pepper mixed with water, or lighting a citronella candle.

For more information about dealing with house flies, visit the British Pest Control Association website.

Shared Regulatory Services provide Bridgend, Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan councils with essential services that include environmental health, trading standards and licensing. You can find out more by visiting the SRS page at the council website.