Residents in the rural village of Bettws in Bridgend county are facing a nightmarish situation as swarms of flies have invaded their homes, causing immense distress and inconvenience for the locals. The village, located approximately 15 minutes from Bridgend town, has been struggling with an overwhelming number of common house flies infiltrating households, making it nearly impossible for residents to enjoy a meal or even open their windows.
Despite efforts by residents to combat the fly infestation using methods like nets and sticky strips, the situation remains dire, with flies persistently landing on food and surfaces. Hayley Laaser, a long-time resident of Bettws, expressed her frustration, stating, “We’re in this situation where we just have flies everywhere, and it’s really affecting our mental health.” She highlighted the challenges of hosting guests and preparing meals in a fly-ridden environment, urging for a prompt resolution to the issue.
Local business owner Melanie Simons shared similar concerns, emphasizing the impact of the fly infestation on her pub, where serving food has become increasingly difficult due to the overwhelming presence of flies. Another resident, Sarah Dawe, described the situation as unbearable, noting the unprecedented severity of this year’s fly invasion compared to previous years.
Authorities from the Shared Regulatory Service are diligently investigating the root cause of the fly infestation, which seems to be affecting not only Bettws but also other areas like Broadlands and Kenfig Hill in Bridgend County Borough. Councillor Martyn Jones, representing Bettws, assured residents that efforts are being made to identify and address the source of the infestation, urging caution against spreading speculation on social media until definitive information is obtained.
As residents eagerly await a resolution to the fly problem, the community remains hopeful for a swift and effective intervention to restore normalcy and alleviate the distress caused by the persistent presence of flies in their homes. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as authorities work towards a solution.