SAUGUS — Some unwelcome tourists, a pack of pesky coffin flies, are no longer bugging residents, according to Director of Public Health John Fralick.
Also known as Phorid flies, the insects known for feeding off of dead bodies had previously taken over the area by Fiske’s Brook, but that no longer appears to be the case. Fralick said the fly infestation has subsided significantly.
“No Phorid flies have been found in any significant quantity in the surrounding environment,” said Fralick.
The health department’s claim comes after the Massachusetts State Police sent in cadaver dogs over the weekend to look to find the source of the infestation. According to Fralick, the town found evidence of animal remains in the area where the infestation was concentrated.
However, the work is not done as Saugus officials will continue to monitor the situation. Fralick said that Tony Kiszewski, a consultant hired by the town, will continue to sample the area.
Kiszewski, an associate professor of public health entomology at Bentley University, studied the area for WBZ’s I-Team after residents reached out to the news station about the fly issue. The town also enlisted his services following the initial news report.
Board of Selectmen member Debra Panetta said she was pleased that the town was able to find the source of the infestation.
“My heart goes out to the neighbors that had to endure those types of living conditions, but I’m pleased that the town, working (along) with consultants, was able to find the source of the problem to alleviate this type of issue,” said Panetta.
Panetta also stressed that she’s happy the neighbors will get some relief and return to a sense of normalcy.
