Additional information on fly nuisances
Frequently asked questions
Myth vs Fact
Myth: Long grass causes large fly infestations.
Fact: Long grass may provide resting places for flies, but it is not generally a significant breeding source for the nuisance flies currently being investigated.
Myth: The estuary must be the cause because it is nearby.
Fact: Proximity alone does not demonstrate a link. Investigations have not identified evidence that the estuary is responsible for the current level of fly activity.
Myth: The Council already knows the source but is not telling residents.
Fact: Investigations are still ongoing and no definitive source has been established. The Council is committed to sharing confirmed information when it becomes available.
Myth: More grass cutting will solve the problem.
Fact: Grass cutting may improve the appearance of an area but, on its own, is unlikely to address the underlying cause of unusually high fly numbers.
Myth: Flies only travel short distances.
Fact: Some fly species can travel considerable distances, meaning the place where flies are seen is not necessarily where they originated.
Advice for Businesses
We understand the challenges that elevated fly activity is creating for local businesses. Businesses are encouraged to maintain good housekeeping standards, ensure effective waste management arrangements are in place; review the effectiveness of their pest control measures and enhance control measures where deemed appropriate. The Council's investigation remains ongoing and businesses experiencing significant impacts are encouraged to report issues to help inform the ongoing assessment of the situation.
I'm a business owner – what can I do to reduce the impact of flies on my premises?
The Council recognises that elevated fly activity can present significant challenges for businesses, particularly food businesses, hospitality venues, retail outlets and customer-facing premises.
While investigations into the wider cause of the current issue continue, businesses are encouraged to take reasonable steps to minimise fly ingress and maintain good hygiene standards.
Recommended measures include:
Prevent flies entering premises
- Keep external doors / openings closed at all times where possible
- Consider installing fly screens or strip curtains if windows or doors need to be kept open for ventilation or access purposes .
- Check for gaps around doors, windows and service entries and seal as necessary
Maintain high standards of cleanliness
- Clean food preparation and service areas regularly.
- Promptly remove food residues and spillages.
- Keep external areas free from litter and waste accumulation.
- Ensure drains and gullies are maintained in a clean condition.
Manage waste effectively
- Keep refuse containers covered and secure.
- Empty waste bins regularly.
- Store food waste in sealed containers where possible.
- Arrange for waste collections at an appropriate frequency.
Consider additional fly control measures
- Use approved insect control devices where appropriate.
- Ensure any fly-killing equipment is installed and maintained in accordance with manufacturer guidance. (These should be located away from food preparation areas)
- Seek advice from a professional pest control contractor if necessary.
Will the presence of flies affect my food hygiene rating?
Food businesses are required to take reasonable precautions to prevent pest / insect ingress and maintain suitable hygiene standards. Officers recognise that businesses operating within the affected area may currently be experiencing exceptional external fly pressure.
When carrying out inspections, officers will consider:
- The preventative measures in place and their effectiveness.
- Standards of cleanliness and housekeeping.
- Whether appropriate and sufficient steps are being taken to manage the situation.
Businesses should ensure they can demonstrate that they have assessed the risk and implemented appropriate control measures.
What should food businesses do if they are experiencing significant fly activity?
Food business operators should:
- Review their pest control arrangements.
- Record any significant issues or observations.
- Provide additional control measures if deemed necessary
- Ensure staff are following cleaning and waste management procedures.
- Contact their pest control contractor if problems persist.
Maintaining records of fly activity and the actions taken can assist both the business and enforcement officers if issues are reviewed.
The provision of safe food remains the sole responsibility of the Food Business Operator
Should businesses report fly activity to the Council?
Businesses experiencing significant issues are encouraged to report them to the Council, particularly where:
- The problem is affecting normal operations.
- Fly activity appears to be increasing.
Information provided by businesses helps officers understand the extent and distribution of the problem across South Llanelli.
The flies are affecting customers using outdoor seating areas. What can we do?
Businesses may wish to consider:
- Increasing cleaning frequencies in outdoor areas.
- Removing food waste promptly.
- Positioning bins away from customer seating where possible.
- Using suitable fly deterrents or traps in accordance with manufacturer guidance.
- Informing customers that the issue is being experienced across the wider area and is subject to an ongoing multi-agency investigation.
Businesses are not expected to eliminate the wider environmental issue but should take reasonable steps to minimise its impact on customers.
What if residents or customers believe my business is causing the problem?
The Council is conducting a comprehensive, evidence-led investigation into a number of potential sources. Residents and businesses should avoid speculation regarding the cause of the current fly activity while investigations remain ongoing.
Any concerns regarding a specific premises will be assessed on the basis of evidence gathered by officers.
