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Pesky flies!
I have a new greenhouse and I have had a particularly unpleasant problem which I did not expect to have to deal with. Lots, and I mean LOTS, of flies come into the GH and can't find their way out. They eventually die and create a nasty mess all over. It's really rather horrid, not least for the insects, which includes bees, butterflies and moths.
Does anyone have any bright ideas of what to do. Fly paper wouldn't cope with the large numbers and the design of the GH ( square with a high apex) doesn't allow their escape.
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Does your GH have an open louvre window at one end? Does it have an openable window in the roof and is it kept open during the day?
I have a small GH with both of these and, although insects get in (I suppose that they are attracted by the flowers inside) they do find their way out eventually.
Lakeland Plastics used to sell grey plastic netting to hang at french windows to keep flies out of houses. They may still sell them. They work well in our house and may provide you with an answer.
Thanks waterB. but there is no window in the roof which is the main problem. lots of windows and door to let them , but they go up and can't get out.
My only idea is to place a bright light at ground level outside the open door to lure them out at night. Do you think this might work?
It might attract moths in!
Is there no way to install an opening window in the roof at all? If not, take a look at The Fly Screen Company's website. They may be able to make you something to fit over your existing window and door openings. Or there may be a standard size that you can adapt to fit.
We got them through Lakeland but I see that Lakeland no longer sell them. They really work very well.
try a catapult with small stones
I would place the light outside at ground level by the open door. Moths would be attracted but hopefully not to go inside. Will look into the fly screen idea but am reluctant to drill into the structure to secure the blinds. Thinking caps back on.....
The netting is quite light weight. You could stick it to the frame with those sticky tabs.
Good point, thanks WB.
I once lived in a house that was plagued by flies. After talking to the old boy down the road we hung bunches of elderberry leaves in the window. Voila! No flies
What a lovely natural idea, Adam...... Will try it.