PLAGUE OF FLIES

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 November 1929, Page 8

PLAGUE OF FLIES

COUNTRY HOUSE INVADED. Flies recently took possession of Chandos Lodge, an old house connected with the Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, at Keynsharii, Somerset. Thousands were killed by spraying, but in the first week in October they were still so numerous that sleep by the human occupants of the residence was impossible owing to the continuous drone of the insects. In many districts complaints have been made of plagues of house flies, attributable to the remarkable scarcity of wasps, but the Keynsham pests are not house flies. Mr. George Watts, sanitary inspector to the Keynsham Rural District Council, stated that the flies which had made their home at Chandos Lodge are smaller than the house fly. Their partiality for the house began three years ago, and they had become more nuriierous year by year until now they simply covered the ceilings and windows, notwithstanding that millions had been swept up after extensive spraying.

“I cannot say why they have selected Chandos Lodge,” said Mr. Watts, “but it may be something to do with its great age. Experts have investithe visitation and conclude that thp breeding grounds are in grasses and flowers. It has reached such a pitch now, with the danger of the swarms spreading, that scientists at Bristol University are co-opei;ating with our health department in, a thorough investigation.

“Sleep in the house is impossible owing to the humming of myriads of these little pests. It is hoped that a cure may be provided when the scientists and health offiicals make their report.”