Dorset Council’s Environmental Protection Team have received a high number of complaints about flies over the last few weeks.
Many people are experiencing lots of flies within their homes. To reduce the numbers, it is important to follow good hygiene practices and take extra precautions to ensure that foodstuffs are not freely available to them or they could become contaminated.
Flying insect sprays can be used to treat the affected rooms and there are other means of treatment including traps, which can be hung up, solid block insecticides in plastic vented containers and ultraviolet electric killers.
The council advises people to investigate any other sources in or near their properties that may be contributing to the problem. Flies may be present due to the presence of an animal carcass nearby where flies have laid their eggs. This includes rodents which may enter and die within building spaces in properties. Any standing water, even that within a plant pot can be an area where some species of flies may lay eggs. They also like any damp soil beneath rotting leaves. Adult flies may collect in large swarms within lofts, under soffits or porch areas.
Dorset Council doesn’t offer a pest treatment service. Professional help is available and details can be found on the internet, trade or business directory. It is advisable to get more than one quote and to check that the company undertaking the work is competent. In severe cases, our officers will investigate and provide advice.
Find out about the council’s environmental health services . The team can be contacted on email: envhealthteamb@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or telephone 01305 251010.
Please don’t encourage chemical sprays against flying insects, as the loss of wildlife is directly due to the overuse of insecticides, mostly farming practices, of course, but we can all help to allow insects to increase as food for our swallows and other insect eaters
Hurrah for common sense! 👍🏻
“The council advises people to investigate any other sources in or near their properties that may be contributing to the problem.”
Yes, but what is the primary cause/source? When places as far apart as Blandford, Bere Regis and Winterborne Stickland are complaining the cause cannot be localised.
The paragraph suggests you look for dead animal carcass, dead rodents, standing water. Theses are places where flies may lay eggs. Also check your loft space.
Useful advice, but it does not take into account the effect of slurry sprayed on farmers fields. Is there any guidance to farmers on the best time to spray to avoid a public health hazard (i.e. not just before the forecast of a heat wave). We all support our farmers and sympathise with their difficulties but as in the case of fertiliser run off, there are ways of managing that benefit everyone.
Let’s face it lockdown has wonderfully created more natural life, including flies. they are the food source of many birds and other insects etc. Once again humans complain all the time about natural events. Just hang up the old fashioned, non toxic sticky catchers and all will be well, please do not encourage people to use toxic pesticides, we have enough chronic diseases and cancer from all this rubbish!
The improper use of food waste disposal bins can cause problems. If food isn’t properly wrapped, bags break, or bin is not secured or washed out then more flies and their larvae ensue.
With the appalling loss of so many insect species we should not be killing ANY insects.
Flies are a natural phenomenon, they won’t kill you.
LEAVE THEM ALONE.
If you particularly dislike flies, put fly screens up to your windows.