Video Shows Severe Maggot Infestation Causing Beaches To Close

Australian beach-goers got a disgusting surprise in January, as the unpleasant progeny of flies washed up at a popular beach in the state of New South Wales, the Daily Telegraph reported. The maggot infestation, which can be seen in the video above, was reported by Beachwatch NSW, warning those who want to enjoy the waters of Dee Why Beach that they would likely run into the limbless larvae.

The insect invasion caused the closure of the Bilgola rock pool, with one swimmer describing it as a “moving carpet” of the nascent flies. According to the Telegraph’s report, one woman found her swimsuit was full of maggots after swimming in the rock pool, prior to its temporary closure.

Experts seemed to agree that flies laid their eggs on seaweed along the now-infested beaches. Flies tend to lay eggs on sources of food so their offspring can find nourishment as soon as they hatch. Before science taught people otherwise, many apparently thought maggots could just spontaneously form on rotting meat, which is where they were commonly found.

Unfortunately for anyone wanting to swim at the affected beaches, the Telegraph said more seaweed is expected to wash into the area at the upcoming high tide. Though not especially dangerous for anyone involved, the situation was inconvenient for those who wanted to have a nice day at the beach without encountering millions of insects.