Experts explain ‘bad’ Sydney problem driving Aussies ‘crazy’

If you’ve been outside in the past few days, you’ve likely been subjected to this pest – and the issue “shows no sign of slowing down”.

No, it’s not just you.

Sydney has been inundated by swarms of flies lately, with dozens of videos on social media showing them coating people’s clothing and others batting them away.

While they are admittedly driving many Aussies “crazy”, the rise in the number of pesky flies has been caused by a perfect storm or weather conditions, including a mild winter and warm spring temperatures has caused the fly-pocalypse, according experts.

“It’s been pretty bad for a few months and will likely continue until autumn or winter next year,” Julian Bracewell from Pest2Kill, a Sydney based pest control company, told news.com.au

“You always see an increase in moths, butterflies, flies, and mosquitoes around springtime because it’s hot and humid, and it’s when plants and organic life flourish.”

He said that El Nino and the early increase in temperature has contributed to the fly problem being extra bad this year.

“It’s unprecedented. August was hotter than ever … the world is getting warmer so the issue shows no sign of slowing down.”

In fact, the situation is so bad, Mr Bracewell, said his company has experienced a significant increase in fly-related call-outs this spring, spanning all the way out to the Hunter Valley.

Entomologist Dr Dan Bickel, a Senior Fellow in the Australian Museum’s Entomology department told news.com.au that flies are also often brought in by “warm winds from the interior [of the country], beyond the Dividing ranges, where they can reproduce in great numbers.”

“This sudden influx of flies is common with the first hot winds blowing after winter.”

The influx of flies will likely continue well into next year. Picture: Supplied

Videos circulating on social media show the unusual fly count in full effect, with winged-insects crawling all over locals.

Sydney local @jaassy17 spotted countless beachgoers covered in the black pests as they walked along a popular coastal walk on the weekend.

“Flies take over Sydney this morning,” she captioned her TikTok video, which has since racked up over 600,000 views and hundreds of comments.

“OMG, I thought I was crazy,” one commenter immediately replied.

“Is it just me or has it never been this bad with flies?” asked another.

“It was TERRIBLE today,” someone else wrote, while another admitted they “got harassed by 50 that tried to get in my eyes and ears”.

As someone else admitted: “I can tolerate anything except a pestering fly. They drive me crazy.”

No, you’re not imagining things. There are indeed more flies this year. Picture: Reddit/@r/Sydney

Meanwhile, on the r/Sydney Reddit forum, Sydneysiders echoed these concerns.

“Mate, they’re hectic at the moment,” said one user.

“I am a recent expat from the UK and I did NOT expect the flies. Now I understand the stereotypical Aussie hat with the corks,” replied another.

Swarms of flies have been spotted latched to people’s backs along the Sydney coastline. Picture: TikTok/@jaassy17

Aussies are warned to expect more flies inside their homes, “around their gardens, food and bins”, so are urged stay on top of hygiene and cleanliness, according to Mr Bracewell.

“It’s important to check if there are any food scraps lying around and make sure you’re regularly disposing of any garbage and double-bagging your bins,” he advised.

“You can also use physical screens on your windows or doors, implement various fly systems, get rid of mulch or any leaves building up, or if the situation gets really bad, book a pest control company.”

However, Dr Bickel took a more laid back approach when asked what Aussies can do about the issue.

“Well, I could just say ‘chill’, they are not a real problem … otherwise, stay indoors,” he joked.

“If you are outdoors, just give the ‘Australian salute’!”

Originally published as Experts explain ‘bad’ Sydney problem driving Aussies ‘crazy’