Damon Mcknight
Australia is home to approximately 30,000 fly species, with bush flies (Musca vetustissima) being the most iconic. Flies in Australia are a common occurrence, with some tourists and residents complaining about their persistence and abundance. The flies are attracted to sweat and tears, often swarming around people's faces and food. The presence of flies in Australia can vary depending on the season, location, and rainfall, with certain areas like the outback and the Northern Territory being particularly notorious for flies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of fly species in Australia | 30,000 |
| Common species | Bush flies, blowflies, black soldier flies, golden bluebottles, horseflies, mosquitoes |
| Fly season | Summer, Spring |
| Places with fewer flies | Brisbane, Sydney's coastal areas, the Blue Mountains, the Gold Coast |
| Ways to deter flies | Use topical repellents containing DEET or Picaridin, wear loose-fitting clothing when outside, install fly screens in the house, keep food covered, empty bins regularly, minimise standing water |
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What You'll Learn
Why are there so many flies in Australia?
Australia is known for its large number of flies. People who have travelled to many different countries have noted that they have never seen so many flies as they have in Australia. The flies are especially bad in Ayers Rock and Darwin.
There are about 30,000 species of flies in Australia, but only four groups of flies that humans typically come into contact with: the bush fly, house fly, blowfly, and the mosquito. The bush fly is similar to the house fly and is born from eggs laid in animal dung. The females of some species seek out humans because they are starving for protein, which they need to make eggs. The sweat on human bodies is a great source of protein for them.
Flies are also excellent pollinators, and they are very good at recycling. Female flies are great at finding rotting organic matter, such as dung or dead bodies, to lay their eggs in. The larvae then eat the matter and grow into flies, which become a great food source for birds.
Flies are dependent on rainfall and location, and are more likely to be found inland after rain or on hot and humid days. They are also attracted to meat, so a barbecue will bring them swarming.
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What types of flies are in Australia?
Australia is home to about 7,500 true fly species, though this number only represents a fraction of the total fly species in the country. Flies are one of the most diverse animal groups on the planet. They are an important part of the food chain, serving as food for other invertebrates, birds, and bats. While some flies are pests, many serve as remedies in their role as biological controls. For instance, the black soldier fly is grown commercially as food for livestock and is also a rich source of protein for humans.
Some common fly species in Australia include house flies, bush flies, blowflies, and march flies. House flies are major carriers of disease and can infest all types of premises. They are attracted to all kinds of food, including human food, pet food, animal feed, food waste, and even faeces. Bush flies are a common pest for outback travellers. Blowflies are another common fly species in Australia, with the golden bluebottle (Chrysomya incisuralis) being one of many species of Australian blowfly.
Other fly species in Australia include:
- Biting midges, often called sandflies, which are tiny (1mm to 4mm) biting flies with sharp mouthparts adapted for piercing skin.
- Queensland's boatman fly, named for the male's habit of moving its wings in a rowing motion.
- The lesser fruit fly, also known as a vinegar fly, which is attracted to overripe fruit.
- Horseflies, which are powerful fliers that can be a nuisance to humans and livestock but are also excellent pollinators.
- Mosquitoes, which are vectors for diseases such as malaria, Ross River Virus, chikungunya, zika, and dengue.
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How do flies in Australia affect daily life?
Australia is home to an estimated 30,000 species of flies, of which only about 30% have been formally identified. The most common species is the bushfly, found countrywide. Flies in Australia are dependent on factors such as rainfall, location, and temperature. They thrive in hot and humid conditions and are attracted to meat. As such, they are a nuisance to humans and livestock, especially during the summer months, when they swarm around people and animals in search of moisture and food.
The presence of flies in Australia can significantly impact the daily lives of its residents and tourists alike. Their persistent nature can make outdoor dining and social activities unpleasant, as they invade personal space and contaminate food. The "Aussie salute", a characteristic gesture of waving flies away from the face, has become synonymous with the country. The nuisance caused by flies can also deter people from visiting or relocating to certain areas, potentially impacting the local economy and population distribution.
To mitigate the problem, Australians often rely on insect repellents, fly screens, and long-sleeved clothing. However, chemical repellents are discouraged as they can harm native animals if washed into rivers. The flies' resilience and ability to adapt to changing environments pose a continuous challenge, and their behaviour may be further influenced by climate change.
Despite the inconveniences they cause, flies play a crucial role in Australia's ecosystem. Many species, such as hover flies and blowflies, are important pollinators, supporting plant life and agricultural production. Additionally, their larvae are effective decomposers, contributing to sustainable waste management. While flies may be a nuisance, they also serve as a reminder of the intricate balance within Australia's unique environment.
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How to avoid flies in Australia
Flies are an issue in Australia, particularly in the summer and in inland areas. The cities of Brisbane and Sydney are known to have fewer flies than other parts of the country.
If you want to avoid flies in Australia, there are several methods you can try. Firstly, you can use insect repellent such as Rid or Aeroguard, which can be purchased at most convenience or grocery stores. You can also try to avoid wearing dark clothing, especially if you are hot and sweaty, as flies are attracted to this. If you are having an outdoor meal, be aware that flies love meat, so a BBQ may attract them. You can also try the "'Aussie salute'" by waving your hand in front of your face to shoo them away. Alternatively, grab a small branch from a tree or bush and use it to wave them away.
If you are at home, you can take steps to keep flies out by keeping windows and doors closed and covered with screens. Cover up food before and after meals, and clean up any spills or leftover food promptly. You can also try natural fly repellents, such as growing lavender, tansy, bay leaf, nasturtiums, basil, or mint outdoors, or hanging strips of cloth soaked in eucalyptus oil, lemon halves studded with cloves, or bags of water around windows and doors.
If you are travelling to Australia, you may want to consider visiting during a different season or sticking to coastal areas to avoid the worst of the flies.
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What benefits do flies bring to Australia?
Australia is known for its flies, with billions of flies in the country. There are about 30,000 species of flies in Australia, with the most common being the bush fly, house fly, blowfly, and mosquito. While many people find flies annoying and persistent, they do provide some benefits to the Australian ecosystem.
One of the main benefits of flies in Australia is their role as pollinators. Flies are excellent pollinators, and while bees get more credit for pollination, studies suggest that flies are just as important. Flies are known to visit pollinator-dependent crops in Australia, and some species have been identified as having high potential for use in managed pollination services. This could be especially important given the risks associated with relying solely on bees for crop pollination.
In addition to their role in pollination, flies are also nature's recyclers. Female flies are adept at finding rotting organic matter, such as dung or dead bodies, to lay their eggs in. The larvae then feed on this matter and grow into flies, which become a food source for birds. This process helps to return organic matter back into the ecosystem, where it can be used again.
Flies also have cultural significance in Australia, with their presence being met with an "Australian salute". They are seen as a vital part of any good Australian Christmas, and their buzz is often associated with the summer season. While flies may be a nuisance to humans, they play an important role in maintaining the balance of the Australian ecosystem.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are flies in Australia.
There are around 30,000 species of flies in Australia. The sheer diversity means you are likely to encounter several flies daily. The warm and wet weather in the outback and NT also contributes to the number of flies.
Fly season in Australia usually occurs during the summer. However, it can also depend on the year and rainfall.
Flies are more likely to be found inland, especially after rain or on hot and humid days. Ayers Rock, Darwin, and the outback are known for having a lot of flies.
To avoid flies in Australia, you can use insect repellent, wear loose-fitting clothing when outside, install fly screens in your home, and keep your food covered.
