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KERRY has experienced the highest number of callouts for fly infestations in the first three months of 2019.
In a report from Rentokil, Kerry recorded the highest number of callouts (30%), followed by Dublin (23%), Cork (14%), and Galway (13%).
There has been a significant increase in the number of infestations in Ireland compared to last year with Rentokil reporting an increase of 33% in callouts for fly infestations during January, February and March in 2019 compared to the same period last year and is expecting levels of infestation to increase substantially during the summer.
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Rentokil says recent mild winter and spring weather conditions are contributing to rapid growth in fly population numbers and that the public need to act to prevent fly infestations.
Flies can spread bacteria such as e.coli, salmonella and campylobacter, a common cause of diarrhoea in Ireland.
“We expect to see fly infestations become more of a problem as we move into summer.,” said Richard Faulkner, Technical Field Consultant for Rentokil. “Of all pests, flies are responsible for causing the highest number of illnesses, even more than rodents and cockroaches.”
In order to prevent infestation, Rentokil recommends taking the following steps, particularly at this time of year, to prevent infestation.
• Keep blinds and doors closed during hot weather.
• Clear food debris and liquid spillages immediately from under kitchen units and appliances.
Ensure all dustbins have tightly sealed lids.
• Clean up after pets. Not only are faeces a perfect breeding place for flies, they may land there before landing on your food.
• Always cover food so as not to attract flies but also to reduce the spread of diseases – flies spread diseases by landing on food before we eat it.
• Check your roof for old birds’ nests as they can be a source of flies, amongst other pests.
