More than 70 residents have complained of their homes being swarmed by flies
Wycombe Close in Davyhulme is one of the affected areas
Residents and businesses in the Davyhulme area of Urmston are suffering from an invasion of flies.
Multiple posts from people on the Wimpey housing estate and the Barton Road retail park have appeared on the social media site Facebook.
As a result, Stretford and Urmston MP Andrew Western says he has investigated the issue.
He said that at first, it was believed that the United Utilities-run Davyhulme Water Treatment Works may have been the source, but investigations by the water company, the Environment Agency and Trafford council’s pest control team have concluded that it is not the source of the infestation.
Mr Western said he had received more than 70 contacts from residents who shared images of flies, which have now been identified as fungus gnats, which thrive in most soil.
MP Andrew Western’s case map of the infested areas
One post on Facebook said: “I have been informed by environmental services that as many people as possible need to contact them with their issues so they can get a picture of exactly where they are coming from.”
Another said: “We’re in Davyhulme and we’ve been plagued by them. We used a mixture of vinegar, washing up liquid and water in the living room in a small plastic tub and it’s full of the little sods.”
And one responded: “Yep, really bad on Wycombe Close. The mornings are much clearer, but builds as the day goes on.”
Mr Western said his office had mapped the activity. He went on: “After receiving a large number of complaints, often accompanied by photos, I realised there was clearly a problem in the Davyhulme area.
“I immediately wrote to United Utilities, the Environment Agency, and Trafford council, asking for an urgent investigation to be undertaken to identify the source of the flies.
“I have also requested guidance from Pest Control at Trafford Council on how best to deal with fungus gnat infestations for residents.
“Investigations by UU the EA and the council have concluded that the Davyhulme Wastewater Treatment Works is not the source of the significant fly infestation recently affecting residents and businesses in the Davyhulme area.”
He said: “The insects causing distress in the community have been identified as fungus gnats. Experts, including environmental protection at Trafford council and pest control specialist, Rentokil, stated that these flies are not linked to wastewater treatment processes.”
Mr Western, a former leader of Trafford council before he became an MP, added: “Fungus gnats typically breed in moist soil or compost and thrive in damp conditions. Trafford council’s pest team has further advised that these insects cannot travel long distances, suggesting they are likely emerging from moist ground near residents’ properties.”