South Africans – particularly Gauteng residents – have been complaining about a “fly invasion” in recent weeks. But is there any truth to the pest plague?
FLY INVASION: SOUTH AFRICANS QUESTION NEW PANDEMIC’
On social media, South Africans have complained about experiencing a “fly invasion,” particularly in Gauteng.
Influencer Karabo Didi was one of them. She shared a hilarious TikTok of her daily routine of spraying insect repellent throughout her home.
“I hate flies, and they have been terrorising us,” she shared, adding that the bugs had become “resistant” to repellants.
@karabodidi_ I hate flies and they have been terrorising us😭
Another Johannesburgcontent creator asked: “What’s up with all the flies?” in a video that went viral.
“Why are there more flies than there have ever been? I cannot be in a room without a fly on me.”
@random_guy_on_your_fyp haibo it's getting out of hand #fyp #fypシ゚ #southafrica #southafricatiktok🇿🇦 ♬ original sound – Random_guy_on_your_fyp
@mel_hamanburg #creatorsearchinsights #flypシ #southafricatiktok🇿🇦 ♬ original sound – Mel_hammanburg|Your fav lady❤️
Others likened the “fly invasion” to a pandemic and something from a Biblical plague.
PEST CONTROL COMPANY CONFIRMS NEWS
Speaking to The South African, pest control company Rentokil confirmed fears of a fly invasion in parts of the country, particularly Gauteng.
Technical Manager Mario Pluke attributed hot and humid weather to the increased visibility of flies, which breed in such conditions.
He added: “Flies are drawn to strong food scents and unpleasant odours, including those from trash or animal waste, as these serve as both feeding and breeding sites.
“Even small traces of food can attract flies and facilitate their rapid reproduction. For instance, when garbage is exposed to direct sunlight at temperatures exceeding 30°C, fly eggs can hatch into maggots in as little as eight hours.”
Pluke added that the company had seen a spike in interest in pest control from businesses and homeowners.
FLY INVASION: HOW TO WARD OFF THE PESKY PESTS
Flies are known for transmitting bacteria and viruses and contaminating food, which results in food contamination and diarrhea.
According to Rentokil, there are several ways to avoid a “fly invasion” in your home.
They include:
- Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces regularly to eliminate food residue.
- Disposing of trash in sealed bins and cleaning the bins after they are emptied.
- Freezing food waste before disposal to reduce odours that attract flies.
- Collecting and sealing animal waste and disinfecting the area.
- Installing fly screens on windows and doors to keep flies out.
- Using air curtains to prevent flies from entering through frequently used entrances.
NATURAL REPELLANTS
On social media, several Gauteng residents have been sharing their DIY methods to ward off flies.
They include using a combination of ingredients such as gloves, cinnamon, lemon, apple cider vinegar, and essential oils like eucalyptus, citronella, and lemongrass.
Plantslike basil, mint, lavender, marigolds, and rosemary also naturally repel bacteria–infested bugs.
HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED A ‘FLY INVASION’ IN YOUR HOME?
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