A wildlife charity is urging people not to use fly papers outside after a robin became caught on some fly paper this morning (15th May 2012), in a garden in Eastbourne. The poor bird has to be cut free and has now been admitted to East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service's Casualty Centre at Whitesmith near Hailsham.

The poor bird has had to be washed to remove glue from its feathers but luckily has not lost too many feather through the ordeal. "Amazingly the poor little bird can still just about fly, so we hope that after a few washes he will made a full recovery and we can release him before he loses his territory" said Trevor Weeks founder of East Sussex WRAS.

The charity is urging people not to use fly papers outside due to the risk to wildlife. "It is not just insects which get caught on these but birds like robins and even bats too, many of the insect eating birds and bats get caught as they prey on the insects getting caught on the fly paper" said Trevor.

There are alternatives to fly paper which are safer for wildlife. In an outdoor location, try using pyrethrum which gardeners have used years as it gives off its own natural insecticide. Also eucalyptus oil on absorbent cloths will work too. There are also fly traps which use honey or other sweet tasting products to trap flies inside a containers which then avoid birds and bats getting caught and stuck. Indoors you can also look at making small sachets of crushed mint placed around the home to discourage flies. Bay leaves, cloves and eucalyptus wrapped in small cheesecloth squares can be hung by open windows or doors. Placing an open container of sweet basil and clover near pet food or any open food in the house will deter flies as well.

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Press Contact: Trevor Weeks - East Sussex WRAS: 01825 873003 or 07931 523958

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