Gauteng's fly infestation can be blamed on two things; weather temperatures and poor waste management.
In recent weeks, residents have taken to social media to complain of flies invading their homes, especially across Tshwane, Randburg and Soweto.
We had the same problem. Neighbors, too. It was a complete infestation of flies in the house all summer! Have never seen anything like it. Very strange. Every morning there would be a bunch at each window or dead on the floor. Was hoping this Winter would freeze them out!
— Prairie Dweller (@timmy_carlie) February 4, 2025
Gauteng's fly infestation attributed to hot, humid weather,these are just lies ,Gauteng is very dirty ,the cause of flies is the way our cities are filthy,illegal immigrants are making our cities very dirty
— MLANDO (@MLANDO60870174) February 1, 2025
Agricultural Council of South Africa, Dr Genevieve Theron said there are over 300,000 species of flies in South Africa, so it's challenging to manage the pests.
Speaking to 702, Theron said the balmy sunny days are ideal conditions for flies to breed.
But poor waste management is also a major contributing factor to the infestation.
'Food attracts flies'
Theron said food attracts flies.
She explained that in this instance, she is referring to food waste that is left accessible to flies and in turn helps them breed.
Pest control experts, Rentokil said there are a number of factors that can brings flies into homes, more especially kitchens.
"Did you know that the grease and sludge in your grease trap are also hugely attractive to flies and other pests? It’s like inviting them to an all-you-can-eat, 24/7 buffet," Rentokil said.
The company said common house flies are attracted to decaying organic waste such as faeces and rotting meat, whereas fruit flies will look for sugary substances and feed more commonly on overripe fruit, spilled soft drinks and alcohol.
Fly control tips
Rentokil offers these nine tips:
Deny flies access - keep windows and doors closed.
Flyscreens - fit flyscreens to windows especially around kitchen and waste areas.
Cover food - flies spread diseases by landing on food before we eat it.
Clear away - clear food debris and liquid spillages from food consumption and preparation areas, under kitchen benches and appliances.
Dustbins / Compost bins - ensure all waste containers have tightly sealed lids.
Pets - exercise fly control by cleaning up after pets. Not only are faeces a perfect breeding place for flies, they may land there before landing on your food.
Clear up dead flies - they provide a tasty snack for other pests such as carpet beetles.
Ponds - if you have a garden pond, introduce goldfish as they will eat mosquito larvae.
Drains - ensure drains are kept clean and free of debris to reduce fly breeding sites.
IOL