Difference between revisions of "Flies"
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There are many ways to get rid of '''flies''' in the house. | There are many ways to get rid of '''flies''' in the house. | ||
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===Ultraviolet Fly Killers=== | ===Ultraviolet Fly Killers=== | ||
| − | These use UV tubes to attract the flies, and a pair of electrified grids to fry them. Effective, and standard equipment in most catering premises. | + | These use [[Fluorescent Lighting|UV tubes]] to attract the flies, and a pair of electrified grids to fry them. Effective, and standard equipment in most catering premises. |
Insects usually have a good wander round before going to the zapper, so they work but don't eliminate insects completely. No effect on non-flying insects. | Insects usually have a good wander round before going to the zapper, so they work but don't eliminate insects completely. No effect on non-flying insects. | ||
| − | Never use the wrong type of UV tube in these. Sterilising hard UV tubes can cause eyesight damage. (White tubes | + | Never use the wrong type of UV tube in these. Sterilising hard UV tubes can cause eyesight damage. ([[Fluorescent Lighting|White tubes]] aren't recommended, but do work, even if not as good as UV ones.) |
The grids need periodic brushing clean, as dead flies can short them out. | The grids need periodic brushing clean, as dead flies can short them out. | ||
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===Halogen Fly Killers=== | ===Halogen Fly Killers=== | ||
| − | DIY bug fryers may be made using a low power halogen lamp for insect attraction, a cockcroft-walton multiplier to produce high voltage, and wires for flykilling. A zero volt grid should be used at the front for touch protection. | + | DIY bug fryers may be made using a low power [[Halogen Lighting|halogen lamp]] for insect attraction, a cockcroft-walton multiplier to produce high voltage, and wires for flykilling. A zero volt grid should be used at the front for touch protection. |
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===Sticky Fly Paper=== | ===Sticky Fly Paper=== | ||
| − | These are sticky paper rolls hung from the ceiling. Effective, disgusting & cheap. Can be home made if necessary. | + | These are [[Tapes|sticky paper rolls]] hung from the ceiling. Effective, disgusting & cheap. Can be home made if necessary. |
===Venus Fly Traps=== | ===Venus Fly Traps=== | ||
Some people find these plants effective. Water them with rain, not tap water. | Some people find these plants effective. Water them with rain, not tap water. | ||
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===Screens=== | ===Screens=== | ||
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===Paraffin=== | ===Paraffin=== | ||
| − | Paraffin wiped around window frames repels insects considering entering the property. Monthly reapplication needed. | + | [[Oil|Paraffin]] wiped around window frames repels insects considering entering the property. Monthly reapplication needed. |
===Clean up=== | ===Clean up=== | ||
| − | Frequent checking of fridge & cupboard contents ensures deteriorating items are disposed of promptly, avoiding any items that attract | + | Frequent checking of [[fridge]] & [[Kitchen Cabinets|cupboard]] contents ensures deteriorating items are disposed of promptly, avoiding any items that attract insects. |
If any buildup of spoiled food occurs anywhere in the kitchen, or elsewhere, flies are attracted. Overlooked buildup is sometimes the cause of fly problems. | If any buildup of spoiled food occurs anywhere in the kitchen, or elsewhere, flies are attracted. Overlooked buildup is sometimes the cause of fly problems. | ||
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Fix any leaks. Sources of water encourage insects to move in permanently. | Fix any leaks. Sources of water encourage insects to move in permanently. | ||
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===Yellow lighting=== | ===Yellow lighting=== | ||
| − | Yellow lighting attracts insects less than white light. | + | Yellow [[lighting]] attracts insects less than white light. |
===Insect repellant=== | ===Insect repellant=== | ||
Insect repellant reduces biting. | Insect repellant reduces biting. | ||
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Revision as of 14:38, 4 October 2009
There are many ways to get rid of flies in the house.
Indoors
Ultraviolet Fly Killers
These use UV tubes to attract the flies, and a pair of electrified grids to fry them. Effective, and standard equipment in most catering premises.
Insects usually have a good wander round before going to the zapper, so they work but don't eliminate insects completely. No effect on non-flying insects.
Never use the wrong type of UV tube in these. Sterilising hard UV tubes can cause eyesight damage. (White tubes aren't recommended, but do work, even if not as good as UV ones.)
The grids need periodic brushing clean, as dead flies can short them out.
Blue-violet Fly Killers
These are cheaper imitations of the above UV killers, but they use a blue or violet filament lamp & low grid power. Ineffective.
Halogen Fly Killers
DIY bug fryers may be made using a low power halogen lamp for insect attraction, a cockcroft-walton multiplier to produce high voltage, and wires for flykilling. A zero volt grid should be used at the front for touch protection.
Slow Release Insecticide
These small low cost boxes contain a gel block that slowly releases insecticide vapour over a couple of months. Vapona is a well known brand. These are very effective at killing flies.
Some contain dichlorvos, an organophosphate insecticide that also kills fleas.
A very effective fly control strategy, but ineffective if windows are left open.
Fly Spray
Brief duration, ongoing hassle, gets insecticide on hands and food preparation surfaces.
Manual Methods
Swatters, vacuum cleaner etc
- Require far too much labour to be practical.
Sash Windows
Opening a sash window half an inch at the top gives insects a way out. Insects fly upward towards light to try to escape, so this offers quick easy escape and helps keep the numbers down.
Sticky Fly Paper
These are sticky paper rolls hung from the ceiling. Effective, disgusting & cheap. Can be home made if necessary.
Venus Fly Traps
Some people find these plants effective. Water them with rain, not tap water.
Screens
Fine mesh cloth screens closely fitted over open windows deny insects entry.
Bead or plastic tape curtains over open doors keep insects out, though they're less than fashionable.
Paraffin
Paraffin wiped around window frames repels insects considering entering the property. Monthly reapplication needed.
Clean up
Frequent checking of fridge & cupboard contents ensures deteriorating items are disposed of promptly, avoiding any items that attract insects.
If any buildup of spoiled food occurs anywhere in the kitchen, or elsewhere, flies are attracted. Overlooked buildup is sometimes the cause of fly problems.
Frequent cleaning of bins avoids any smell build up, which attracts insects.
Dirty floors also attract insects. Although we may not smell the film of dirt, insects can.
Fix any leaks. Sources of water encourage insects to move in permanently.
Outdoors
Citronella candles
Citronella candles repel insects.
Yellow lighting
Yellow lighting attracts insects less than white light.
Insect repellant
Insect repellant reduces biting.
See Also
Keywords: flykiller fly killer killing fleas flea swat swatter insects bug