Flies are infesting Gauteng right now. Here’s why…
Swarms of flies are taking over homes, businesses, and outdoor spaces, creating a growing nuisance.
Flies / Pixabay: misterwhy021ytacct
John Perlman interviews Dr Genevieve Theron, an entomologist at the Agricultural Council of South Africa.
Listen below:
Residents across Gauteng, especially in Randburg and Soweto, are struggling with a fly infestation that has left many frustrated and searching for solutions.
According to Theron, South Africa is home to over 300,000 species of flies, contributing to the challenge of managing these pests.
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Theron explains that the warmer summer weather provides ideal conditions for flies to breed rapidly.
As temperatures rise, their life cycles accelerate, making them reproduce in larger numbers.
However, she notes that other factors are also exacerbating the issue, with poor waste management playing a significant role in the increased fly populations.
"Flies are attracted to food, and by food I mean their food, so that's organic waste, that's food waste, that's all sorts of waste, and when that waste is left accessible to them, it helps them to breed."
- Dr Genevieve Theron, entomologist - Agricultural Council of South Africa
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.