Fly infestations are soaring in Irish homes, pest control experts have warned.
Rentokil said callouts to deal with the increased threat posed by the insects has risen by 19% compared to the same period last year.
Flies can spread bacteria such as E. coli, salmonella, and campylobacter, which can lead to a range of illnesses in humans, one of the most common being diarrhoea.
They can spread these bacteria to humans when they land on our food.
The company believes that empty buildings shut down temporarily during the lockdown could also be particularly susceptible to infestations.
The top five counties which have accounted for fly infestations between last November and January were: Dublin (29% of total callouts), Kerry (25%), Galway (10%), Cork (6%) and Cavan (3%).
Richard Faulkner, Technical Field Consultant for Rentokil, said “Flies can pose the threat of contaminating food or spreading so it is important to ensure that all food in your premises is covered and stored correctly and not left out in the open.
"Additionally, these insects can pose an annoyance when found in swarms as their collective excrement can cause a stench and stain fabrics and walls.
“Additionally, their presence can pose the threat of violating food or hygiene regulations for businesses.
"In terms of guarding against these pests, the most effective methods to employ are fitting fly screens to doors and windows, and utilising an LED fly killer unit, such as the Lumnia LED fly killer.”
Rentokil recommends that home or business owners who suspect that they have a fly infestation to identify the source of the infestation as a first step.
The company recommends checking around areas including doors, windows, electrical outlets, eaves, pipes, cable openings, and vents to help to determine if a property has a fly problem.
Rentokil has advised home and business owners to control moisture and fix leaky taps and blocked drains where water can gather because flies need moisture to multiply.
The company has also urged people to keep food covered - as even crumbs can attract flies and encourage them to lay eggs nearby - and keep bins, sinks and food areas clean.
