South Wales Village Overrun by Mysterious Fly Infestation, Residents Desperate for Solutions

South Wales Village Overrun by Mysterious Fly Infestation, Residents Desperate for Solutions

A South Wales village is grappling with an overwhelming plague of houseflies, leaving residents of Bettws, near Bridgend, frustrated and considering leaving their homes. Thousands of flies have invaded homes, disrupting daily life and prompting concerns over mental health.

Villagers reported being unable to eat meals without flies crawling over their food, while others have canceled visits from guests due to the infestation. Local council environmental health officers are investigating the source of the fly outbreak and advising residents on containment measures.

Martyn Jones, a representative of Bridgend county borough council, confirmed that he had received numerous complaints about the infestation. He urged residents to avoid speculating about the cause until environmental officers could identify the problem and take action.

Lifelong Bettws resident Hayley Laaser, 42, shared her distress: “We have flies everywhere, and it’s affecting our mental health. We’ve tried everything—nets, sticky strips, and keeping windows closed—but nothing works. You can’t even prepare a meal without flies swarming.”

Other villagers echoed the concerns, with some considering moving out or staying in hotels to escape the fly invasion. Local pub owner Melanie Simons said the infestation had disrupted her business, preventing her from serving food.

The council has posted advice on managing musca domestica, the common housefly, which can pose health risks by transporting disease-causing organisms. Recommendations include keeping food covered, using fly traps, and maintaining cleanliness.

Residents are anxiously awaiting the identification of the fly source to regain control over their homes and daily lives.