If it feels like your home has suddenly become overrun with flies, you’re not imagining it.
Horrified Brits have complained of an ‘invasion’, with many sharing hilarious videos of themselves trying to swat the insects away.
Experts have revealed the recent warm weather speeds up a fly’s life cycle, allowing populations to explode in a matter of days.
With the summer holidays in full swing, the increased presence of barbecues, picnics, overflowing bins and sugary drinks means homes and gardens have become an irresistible feeding ground.
And it could be about to get even worse thanks to a recent decline in the number of wasps – which prey on the insects – across the country.
‘I feel like I’m going mad,’ one person said on TikTok. ‘They’re so jarring. I’m trying to cook and you’re swarmed by an army of them in your own home.’
Another complained: ‘These flies are taking the p***. Why are there so many?’
While another added: ‘I think I’m going insane at this point. We can’t have the back door open without being swarmed by flies.’
‘I feel like I’m going mad,’ one person said on TikTok (left). ‘They’re so jarring. I’m trying to cook and you’re swarmed by an army of them in your own home.’ Another (right) added: ‘I think I’m going insane at this point. We can’t have the back door open without being swarmed by flies’
Gardening expert James Higgins, from Grass247, says there are several simple ways to stop the pests ruining your summer.
His first tip is to use scented candles containing citronella, which helps mask the smell of food while producing an aroma that flies dislike.
Candles scented with lavender can also help deter the insects, although he said pet owners should avoid pine essential oils because they can be toxic to dogs and cats.
Another surprising trick is to make your garden more attractive to bees.
‘When you want to get rid of flies, a natural way is actually to attract other insects – especially those that aren’t as bothersome in the garden, such as bees,’ he said.
‘Flies will avoid bees, so planting bee–friendly plants will not only help your garden’s ecosystem, but will also keep any flies out of your garden.’
Bee–friendly flowers include lavender, verbena and catmint, he explained.
Meanwhile, encouraging wildlife such as spiders and frogs can also help because they feed on flies and other garden pests.
Horrified Brits have complained of an ‘invasion’, with many sharing hilarious videos of themselves trying to swat the insects away
For people looking for a more immediate solution, he recommends hanging sticky fly traps near areas where the insects are most active.
Flies often land to rest before searching for a snack, making the traps particularly effective if they are replaced regularly.
The insects are attracted to exposed food, overflowing bins, pet waste and standing water.
So keeping outdoor bins tightly sealed and clearing away leftover food after eating can make gardens and homes much less appealing to them.
Experts also recommend regularly cleaning barbecues and outdoor dining areas to remove food residues that attract flies.
While flies are mostly a nuisance, they can carry bacteria picked up from waste and transfer it onto food and surfaces.
By doing this they can spread dozens of serious diseases including food poisoning and salmonella.
