Hostalric, a town in Girona province, has been dealing with a major fly infestation for over a week. The outbreak has disrupted daily life, prompting several local businesses to close temporarily or scale back operations. Authorities have traced it to a recycling company in one of the town’s industrial zones.
Local authorities say the infestation began when multiple pallets carrying flies arrived at the recycling facility. Recent heat accelerated the insects’ reproduction, allowing the problem to spread beyond the industrial area and into town. The municipal government has opened an administrative investigation into the company at the center of the outbreak.
Officials first considered other possible sources, including the local water treatment plant and nearby fields, before identifying the recycling company, which specializes in plastic packaging. In response, the town council convened an emergency committee with municipal technicians and representatives from the regional Interior Department. Company staff also took part. Its immediate goal is to eliminate the infestation as quickly as possible.
Efforts to contain the flies include removing all pallets stored outdoors at the recycling site and installing pheromone traps throughout the affected areas. The measures aim to capture as many insects as possible while preventing further spread.
Local businesses have reported major disruption. Restaurant Parrufu de Hostalric said most problems occurred on its terrace, while staff at 5punt16 described the impact as severe. The Sapé bakery and pastry shop, which remains open, called the situation extremely unpleasant. Many residents have been unable to open doors or windows. Some companies in the industrial zone have reduced activity or closed entirely.
The incident comes amid broader changes in Catalonia’s waste-management system: selective municipal-waste collection reached 48.1% in 2025. Europa Press Catalunya also reported that 41% of generated waste went to recycling companies. The European target for 2025 is 55%. Those regional figures describe the wider role of recycling operators, while the Hostalric outbreak has focused local attention on how materials are handled and stored at an industrial site.
The town council is working to resolve the crisis and restore normal conditions. EL PAÍS reported that the situation has highlighted how vulnerable small towns can be to environmental incidents linked to industrial activity. Girona province, with its mix of industry and tourism, has faced similar challenges in the past, though large-scale infestations remain rare. The incident has renewed attention to controls on waste management and environmental safety in industrial zones.
