The warm and deliciously long days of summer have arrived, bringing with them backyard BBQs and beach picnics. But as Australians enjoy the holiday season outdoors, they face uninvited guests: pesky flies. With fly season now upon us, many are searching for safe and affordable solutions to keep these nuisances at bay.
“Flies are more common in summer,” says Dr. David Yeates, director of the CSIRO’s Australian National Insect Collection. He elaborates, “They tend to spend much of the winter resting or developing as larvae, then they emerge when it gets warmer.” This summer has seen particularly high activity among flies due to favorable conditions of warmth and rain. Among the two main types, house flies are drawn to decaying organic matter, whereas bush flies hover around humans to feed on sweat.
A recent viral solution shared on TikTok by Perth nurse Keeley Starling shows how effective Bunnings' $11 fly trap can be. Keeley demonstrates its performance, stating, “It’s really disgusting. It actually f**king stinks, but I’m telling you, it works.” After just three days outside, her trap was filled with dead flies, showcasing the method’s efficacy.
The traps operate by using non-toxic ingredients and attract flies to their demise. Users dissolve powder in water to create a green solution, which attracts flies to enter through holes at the top of the container. Unfortunately, the product does emit some strong odors, with descriptions ranging from “revolting” to “like death.”
“It’s important to place the trap away from doors,” warns Keeley, “so you don’t invite more flies inside.” It's also recommended to empty the trap frequently to avoid unsightly maggot infestations and odors.
Despite their apparent effectiveness, Dr. Yeates offers some caution. “I think they give people a sense of having killed some flies,” he explains, “but in reality, I don't think there's any real reduction in the population.” The ecological expert believes these traps may provide psychological comfort without substantially reducing the fly population. “There's no end to flies... they will continue to arrive at backyards where there’s less competition for resources,” he adds.
While Bunnings fly traps serve as one solution, Dr. Yeates emphasizes the importance of healthier alternatives to reduce fly presence outdoors. Simple measures can include keeping food covered, ensuring screens are intact on doors and windows, frequent garbage disposal, and maintaining pet waste cleanliness. He also suggests leveraging natural solutions like planting flowering plants, which help attract beneficial insects and maintain ecological balance.
“Usually, when there’s a pest bothering you, something is out of balance in the surrounding ecology,” Dr. Yeates says. “Urban environments are often stripped of their normal habitats, making them more susceptible to pests.” By reintroducing beneficial elements, such as flowering plants, residents can create habitats conducive to controlling fly populations naturally.
For Australians, the transition to summer may mean embracing outdoor festivities and tackling fly invasions effectively. While the Bunnings fly trap has quickly gained popularity, it’s clear the key to managing these buzzing pests may require more than reliance on one solution.
A flicker of common sense and diligence can go far; by adjusting routines and being mindful of the environment, Australians can enjoy their summer picnics and parties without the constant battle against flies.
