Lately, many South Africans, especially those living in Gauteng, have been sounding the alarm about an unexpected problem: a “fly invasion.”
But is there any truth to the rumors, or is it just another social media trend? Let’s dive into the buzz surrounding this issue.
South Africans Share Their Fly Frustrations
Over on social media, residents have been sharing their experiences with what seems to be an overwhelming number of flies in their homes.
Influencer Karabo Didi posted a funny TikTok showing her daily ritual of spraying insect repellent to combat the flying pests.
She jokingly mentioned how the flies have become “resistant” to her usual repellents, turning her daily life into a constant battle.
Other social media users, including a Johannesburg content creator, also voiced their frustration.
One even asked, “What’s up with all the flies?” in a viral video, expressing disbelief at how there seemed to be more flies than ever before.
It’s safe to say that many people are feeling overwhelmed by the increasing fly population in their spaces.
Pest Control Experts Weigh In
To get to the bottom of this “fly invasion,” we reached out to pest control professionals.
Rentokil, a leading pest control company, confirmed that certain parts of South Africa, particularly Gauteng, have seen a rise in fly activity.
According to Mario Pluke, a technical manager at Rentokil, the hot and humid weather is the main culprit, creating the perfect breeding grounds for flies.
Flies thrive in such conditions, laying their eggs in food scraps, trash, and animal waste—places where they can both feed and reproduce quickly.
Pluke explained that when garbage is left in direct sunlight and temperatures exceed 30°C, fly eggs can hatch into maggots in as little as eight hours.
This rapid reproduction process is one reason why people are noticing more flies than usual.
Simple Tips to Avoid a Fly Invasion
Flies are more than just a nuisance; they can carry bacteria and viruses, which can lead to food contamination and illnesses like diarrhea.
Rentokil shared a few helpful tips on how to prevent these pests from taking over your home:
- Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly to eliminate food residue.
- Dispose of trash in sealed bins and clean the bins after they’ve been emptied.
- Freeze food waste before disposal to reduce odors that attract flies.
- Collect and seal animal waste promptly, disinfecting the area.
- Install fly screens on windows and doors to keep flies out.
- Use air curtains at frequently used entrances to prevent flies from entering.
Natural Remedies to Keep Flies at Bay
In addition to conventional methods, many residents have been experimenting with DIY solutions to keep the flies away.
Some Gauteng residents have shared their own natural repellents on social media, including a mix of gloves, cinnamon, lemon, apple cider vinegar, and essential oils like eucalyptus, citronella, and lemongrass.
Even plants like basil, mint, lavender, marigolds, and rosemary are known to naturally repel flies, making them a great addition to any home.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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