A severe fly infestation in Hostalric, Girona, has led to temporary business closures. Local authorities link the outbreak to a recycling company. Emergency measures are underway to contain the situation and restore normal activity.
Hostalric, a town in Girona province, has been grappling with a major fly infestation for over a week, prompting several local businesses to shut down temporarily. The outbreak, which has disrupted daily life and forced bars, restaurants, and shops to close or reduce operations, has been traced to a recycling company located in one of the town’s industrial zones.
According to local authorities, the infestation began when multiple pallets infested with flies arrived at the recycling facility. The recent heat accelerated the insects’ reproduction, allowing the problem to quickly spread beyond the industrial area and into the town itself. The municipal government has launched an administrative investigation into the company at the center of the outbreak.
Initially, officials considered other possible sources, such as the local water treatment plant or nearby fields, before identifying the recycling company, which specializes in plastic packaging. In response, the town council convened an emergency committee that included municipal technicians, representatives from the regional Interior Department, and staff from the implicated company. Their immediate goal is to eliminate the infestation as quickly as possible.
Efforts to contain the flies include the removal of all pallets stored outdoors at the recycling site and the installation of pheromone traps throughout the affected areas. These measures are intended to capture as many insects as possible and prevent further spread.
Local businesses have reported significant disruption. Restaurant Parrufu de Hostalric noted that most problems occurred on their terrace, while staff at 5punt16 described the impact as severe. The Sapé bakery and pastry shop, although remaining open, described the situation as extremely unpleasant. Many residents have been unable to open doors or windows, and some companies in the industrial zone have either reduced their activity or closed entirely.
The town council is working to resolve the crisis and restore normal conditions. As reported by EL PAÍS, the situation has highlighted the vulnerability of small towns to environmental incidents linked to industrial activity. In Spain, local governments are responsible for public health measures in such cases, and rapid intervention is critical to prevent wider economic and social disruption. Girona province, known for its mix of industry and tourism, has faced similar challenges in the past, but large-scale infestations remain rare. The current incident underscores the importance of strict controls on waste management and environmental safety in industrial zones.
