Residents in south Llanelli are enduring what they describe as the worst fly infestation in years, with the insects swarming homes and making daily life unbearable. The problem, which began in June 2024, has left people feeling "physically sick" and unable to cook or eat in their own homes, according to multiple accounts shared with WalesOnline.
Recurring Nightmare for Residents
David Jones, a local resident, said the issue is not new but has escalated this year. "It's been going on for a few weeks now this summer, but the truth is this is a recurring nightmare that keeps coming back to plague us year after year," he told WalesOnline. "It affects every single part of daily life. You can't open the windows or doors to let a breeze in, even when it's boiling hot, because they just swarm in. You can't leave food out for a second and you're constantly fighting them off. You feel like a prisoner in your own home surrounded by sticky fly-papers just to try and keep the numbers down." Jones added that residents pay council tax and rates and should not have to live under such conditions, calling for a definitive source to be found and resolved permanently.
Health and Financial Toll
Heather Jones, another affected resident, described this year as the worst she has experienced. The infestation has forced her to spend money on eating out and expensive fly sprays that provide little relief. "I suffer with depression, and it's getting really bad because you can't sit in the living room for flies landing on you, and you can't make food because they are landing on everything, so we are eating out. The cost of eating out and buying expensive fly spray that does nothing adds up," she said.
Sue Rees, a third resident, expressed concern for her baby grandson, as the flies constantly land on him and his bottles. "Right now we can't cook, eat, or even sit at home without flies crawling over us, our food, and our kids. It's making people feel physically sick, and many residents believe it's why so many are unwell," she said. Rees noted that many have contacted the council for help but remain desperate for a solution.
Council and Multi-Agency Response
Carmarthenshire County Council has stated it is treating the issue as a priority. Cabinet member for public health, Aled Vaughan Owen, said: "Carmarthenshire County Council continues to investigate the concerns raised by residents and businesses in parts of Llanelli regarding increased fly activity as a priority. Environmental health and public protection officers have carried out repeated visits throughout the affected area this week, including inspections of potential source locations, monitoring activity, engagement with local communities, and direct support for affected sites."
Owen emphasized that this is a multi-agency issue, with the council working closely with Natural Resources Wales, the regulator for permitted waste sites in the area, and other partners to investigate all potential contributing factors and ensure appropriate control measures are in place. He added that investigations remain ongoing and must be evidence-based, but residents can be assured that significant officer time and resources are being devoted to the issue, with daily inquiries and site inspections.
As a precaution, the council has reviewed drainage and cleansing activity, inspected drainage assets, and carried out targeted environmental cleansing. However, there is currently no evidence to suggest that highway drainage systems are contributing to the infestation. Owen urged anyone experiencing issues to report them via the contact centre at 01267 234567 or email publicprotection@carmarthenshire.gov.uk to help officers monitor the situation and target investigations.
