Llanelli, a seaside town in south Wales, is experiencing a severe infestation of flies, which residents describe as a 'biblical' plague. The hot weather has intensified the problem, leading to swarms of insects invading homes and businesses, making everyday activities like cooking difficult.
Residents report that flies are landing in their food, and patrons of local pubs and bars are covering their drinks with beer mats to prevent the insects from dropping in. The issue has persisted for approximately ten years, but locals claim the current year, amplified by recurrent heatwaves including the hottest June day on record in Wales, is the worst yet.
Efforts to combat the flies include setting up numerous fly traps and using electric zappers, but these measures have proven largely ineffective, with some shops reporting a sell-out of fly repellent. Club manager Paige Richards noted that even fans installed at tables in her establishment to deter flies have had limited success.
"They are invasive, they get everywhere and whatever measures we take don't work," Richards said. "We've put up fly papers which soon get covered with the insects and we've bought an electric zapper but the flies keep coming."
Carl Phillips, a local plasterer, described the situation as a "plague of biblical proportions," noting that for every fly killed, many more seem to appear. Retired steelworker John Thomas humorously remarked that his son had hung so many fly papers they resembled curtains.
Ann Thomas, wife of John Thomas, expressed her frustration: "You can't prepare food without them landing on it all the time. It's disgusting." She recounted an instance where her family refused to return for a meal due to the fly problem.
Gill Phillips, a resident for over ten years, has installed nets on her windows and doors, but still finds flies in her home. She has also purchased an electric zapper and fly papers. "I bought them off Amazon, they help but I've still got flies in the house all the time," Phillips stated. "Even with the nets fitted they still manage to get in."
Residents have repeatedly complained to the local council without apparent resolution. Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, Carmarthenshire County Council's Cabinet Member with responsibility for public health, confirmed that the council is treating the concerns as a priority and is investigating potential sources. Environmental Health and Public Protection officers have conducted multiple inspections, including potential source locations, and are collaborating with Natural Resources Wales, the regulator for permitted waste sites.
The council has also reviewed drainage and cleansing activities in the area as a precautionary measure, though current evidence does not suggest highway drainage systems are a contributing factor to the infestation. Investigations are ongoing, with assurances that significant officer time and resources are dedicated to addressing the issue.