Help flies!

houseofpat

We had them and traced them to some compost used to repot a plant. When we put the plant outside the flies eventually died.

natlie

Fruit flies are really annoying but some vinegar and hand soap in a glass kills them

silverwhistle

Help flies?


I helped mine a few weeks ago by leaving a chicken out in the kitchen too long when I got distracted. It went in the bin about triple or quadruple wrapped but it was still heaving when the binmen came..

Rosemary7391

I got some of that gravel that goes in fish tanks for my plants. A couple of cm on top of the soil in the pot means they can't get to it to lay eggs. Also make sure that you're not overwatering - it slows them down if the top dries out before you water again.

Brambleberry

If you're desperate, try using your vacuum hose to literally suck them out of the air, then empty your canister/bag outside:eek:
We used to use this method for an old cottage attic when hundreds of flies got under the slate roof and lived symbiotically with the mice. It helped to get the numbers down before we used other methods to eradicate the rest.

foolofbeans

We are getting lots of flies at the moment (rural area) and many others in the area are experiencing the same.
We have used sticky fly tape which fills up quickly and try to keep window openings small but they keep on coming!
We got a bug zapper from the pound shop which works but only if you are a tennis ace - I spend most of the time swatting fresh air!
The best thing I have found is a rolled up newspaper although it is a never ending task. Roll on the colder weather!

LKAY

Sounds like fungus gnats to me (as others have suggested). Little flies laying in overly damp pot plant soil. Google for advice on how to treat. I had to ditch several plants a couple of years ago after unsuccessful (and costly) attempts to rid. They even laid eggs in an unopened bag of compost stored in my conservatory... that went bin-wards sharpish!
Fungus gnats do resemble fruit flies from a distance.
Good luck!

Videostar

We used to have similar problems a few years ago until we got a dog - the flea treatment spray (StayKill in a yellow can) for the carpets and dog bedding removes or kills anything that flies or crawls. It isn't cheap (£15?) but it lasts for 12 months on any surface you spray it on and although it is intended to spray downwards, towards the floor, it can be used horizontally to get flying insects. We buy ours from our vets but I have seen it for sale in "Pets at Home" so I suspect most pet stores will stock it. We did find a cheaper alternative in a purple can but it wasn't quite so effective and long lasting. One can of "StayKill" will last for years if it is only used to get rid of pests.

redlady_1

foolofbeans wrote: »

We are getting lots of flies at the moment (rural area) and many others in the area are experiencing the same.
We have used sticky fly tape which fills up quickly and try to keep window openings small but they keep on coming!
We got a bug zapper from the pound shop which works but only if you are a tennis ace - I spend most of the time swatting fresh air!
The best thing I have found is a rolled up newspaper although it is a never ending task. Roll on the colder weather!

This is also us with a field of sheep at the end of the garden. We have a glass gable end in the kitchen and they make their way in through the bifolds then all move to the very top. Driving me insane! As well as the zapper (on every night and does a cracking job) I have sticky things that sit on the ledge above the bifolds. I have however just purchased a fly swap! It is brilliant!!! 23 last night alone. I also vacuum the window to get rid of them

Rosemary7391

Brambleberry wrote: »

If you're desperate, try using your vacuum hose to literally suck them out of the air, then empty your canister/bag outside:eek:
We used to use this method for an old cottage attic when hundreds of flies got under the slate roof and lived symbiotically with the mice. It helped to get the numbers down before we used other methods to eradicate the rest.

I have a flea collar in my hoover to take care of bugs. Would probably work on flies too!