[GrumpyGoat]

I try to stay away from chemicals--especially pesticides. (there are strong links to childhood cancer)

I know that pyrethrins are supposed to be natural but they are not the only thing in the can.
for example: "The active ingredients contained in Raid Automatic Systems are natural pyrethrins, piperonyl butoxide (insecticide synergist) or pyrethroids (indoor/outdoor refill). Pyrethrins are extracted from chrysanthemum daises and are nature’s own protection against insects with a unique potency that repels/kills insects. Pyrethroids are synthetic insecticides based on Pyrethrins"

Last year, I made my husband return the can he bought because I just don't like the idea of us breathing in these chemicals all day. I told him we would just "deal with nature"
Of course, I had no idea the amount of flies (and fly poop GROSS!!) that I would have to deal with---it was just TOO MUCH!!

NEVER AGAIN!!

But what are my alternatives?

As of now, I am planning to keep the windows closed and run the air conditioner.

I would prefer to open the windows. But I can't deal with that much "nature" again.

as a side note--why are there no screens on the windows in NZ?????:wah

[GrumpyGoat]

I guess I should ask the question differently:

has anyone used fly traps? the ultraviolet ones?

do they work?


does ANYTHING work???

[IanW99]

...
"The active ingredients contained in Raid Automatic Systems are natural pyrethrins, piperonyl butoxide (insecticide synergist) or pyrethroids (indoor/outdoor refill).
...


Probably not much help, but our Raid states 100% natural pyrethrins so doesn't contain the synthetic version at all (still contains piperonyl butoxide).

So at least there are more 'natural' versions out there.

Ian

[GrumpyGoat]

Probably not much help, but our Raid states 100% natural pyrethrins so doesn't contain the synthetic version at all (still contains piperonyl butoxide).

So at least there are more 'natural' versions out there.

Ian

The piperonyl butoxide is the real problem. It is what kills the bugs. The pyrethrins just knock it down and paralyze it. And, also, even 100% natural pyrethrin is still a neurotoxin and still affects humans.

From Holistic Health: "Piperonyl butoxide is a suspected carcinogen and believed to be highly toxic to the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal, reproductive and nervous systems. It is suspected of being connected to symptoms and conditions such as coma, convulsions, renal damage, hyperexcitability, prenatal damage, vomiting, weight loss, anorexia and many more. It too is toxic to birds, fish and other aquatic life."

My children are very young. I go out of my way to keep chemicals out of their food etc so it seems short-sighted to squirt it in the house 24 hours a day!! Plus, we have some guinea pigs in the house (and they are really just rats with fancy hair dos) I am afraid for their health as well.

I see ultraviolet light fly traps (haven't tried--do they work?), mesh fly trappers (where the flies just buzz around inside) and fly strips. (these didn't work last year)

I am already starting to see flies in the house and I am starting to get VERY NERVOUS about what is coming.

YUCK!!

I was hoping that someone else has conquered this problem already and has some insight???

[Arwen]

How about a good ole fly swatter GG??? My kids love chasing flies brandishing one of those in their hand (just watch your precious ornaments)!! :laugh

Either that, or a dog. My new baby Lab, Max, seems to be an expert at catching flies/moths you name it. Once they have been brought down and are lying helplessly on the carpet, he gobbles them up!!! Yuck!!!! :eek: :exit

[Jo Jo]

You can get fly screens made for your windows - any window manufacturer should be able to do them for you. I've been on the lookout for those fly curtains you can get to hang over open doors as well - has anyone seen any of those for sale?

[KerryS]

You can get fly screens made for your windows - any window manufacturer should be able to do them for you. I've been on the lookout for those fly curtains you can get to hang over open doors as well - has anyone seen any of those for sale?

Do you mean those flappy ones made of multi-coloured strips of plastic? Like in 70s hair salons?

[Helsandfamily]

Last year we bought two electronic battery operated tennis bats, at least that is what they looked like. They worked if you cornered the fly in a small room, but in a large open plan area - I was fighting a losing battle. I bought some "cubes" they had fly killer on the inside and were supposed to smell nice to the flies and they helped because when we came home from holiday we had 24 dead flies near it. But as soon as we arrived home and started cooking again even more of their friends arrived it was gross.

In the end we went with one of the robo can things and it was fantastic. I hear everything about it being bad for you but I can honestly say it saved my sanity.

By the way we have fly guards on the bedroom windows too, I left a gap on one side accidentally and got the shock of my life when a praying mantis fell on me!

[Jo Jo]

Do you mean those flappy ones made of multi-coloured strips of plastic? Like in 70s hair salons?

Yes, that's the type. 70s hair salon is just the look I'm going for...

[GrumpyGoat]

You can get fly screens made for your windows - any window manufacturer should be able to do them for you. I've been on the lookout for those fly curtains you can get to hang over open doors as well - has anyone seen any of those for sale?

I saw something like this at the store called Payless. It was strips of PVC (in green and blue, iirc)
It looked like a shower curtain that had been shredded. :laugh

I think we will be getting some for the doors.

I like the theory but am not sure if they work very well.

And, Arwen, (sorry--multi quote is too hard)--the fly swatter turns them into SMASHED flies--which is even grosser than flying flies.

[GrumpyGoat]

As for window screens--I would be thrilled for OH to build some here (he replaced the ugly aluminum ones at our US home with cedar framed screens) BUT the windows open out.


Trust me, I have laid awake at night trying to come up with a design that will work!!!

Again--very confused about the lack of window screens AND the inability to fit them to the windows should you desire them????

They are standard issue in ALL homes in southern USA. I have (finally!!)found something to miss about the USA:D

[BkyMonster]

Last summer we did fly strips, which was ok, but still lots of fly mess everywhere. We tried sachets of citrus peel/clove and they worked ok, but only for a few days. Would probably work a bit better with something like mint or other smelly oil in them.
This year we have plans to get a bug zapper, though I'm not entirely sure how much that will help. I do notice the flies like to sit on warm things (light bulbs, the kettle etc) so maybe.
Our dogs are totally useless at catching flies. They try, but generally fail. They can barely manage bumblebees (though I don't want them eating bees).
We had some dual use plug in thing with separate fly and mosquito repellent cartridges/oil but it ended up being too costly (the fly cartridge was only good for a day at the most and replacements were not cheap).

[GrumpyGoat]

Last summer we did fly strips, which was ok, but still lots of fly mess everywhere. We tried sachets of citrus peel/clove and they worked ok, but only for a few days. Would probably work a bit better with something like mint or other smelly oil in them.
This year we have plans to get a bug zapper, though I'm not entirely sure how much that will help. I do notice the flies like to sit on warm things (light bulbs, the kettle etc) so maybe.
Our dogs are totally useless at catching flies. They try, but generally fail. They can barely manage bumblebees (though I don't want them eating bees).
We had some dual use plug in thing with separate fly and mosquito repellent cartridges/oil but it ended up being too costly (the fly cartridge was only good for a day at the most and replacements were not cheap).

Yes, I notice that they like warm things too.

Are you talking about the ultraviolet light thingie when you say "zapper"?

I have been looking at them online but I am skeptical. And they are more $$ than I want to spend on snake oil!!

I am willing to try anything (short chemicals) to avoid the HORROR of fly poop and smushed fly bodies.

[dilanium]

Oh we had a UV bug zapper when I was a kid. We used it outside in the evenings and it controlled the mosquitos really well, but I don't know their efficacy on flies.

[BkyMonster]

Yeah a UV light combined with a current grid. I'm not sure how much these flies like the UV light (attractant). Possibly as long as it's the right wavelength...
I've read varying things and I'm not even sure if the flies are the same here (they leave more mess for one). Maybe there's a fly specific attractant you can put in (like there is for mosquitoes which are attracted to your mammalian smell). Not like there's much in the way of moths or anything around here.
There's also fly trap bags though.
I had such horrible large flies last year that they could get stuck to the strips and sometimes unstick themselves. Yuck.

[James 1077]

The piperonyl butoxide is the real problem. It is what kills the bugs. The pyrethrins just knock it down and paralyze it. And, also, even 100% natural pyrethrin is still a neurotoxin and still affects humans.


The piperonyl butoxide doesn't kill the bugs as it isn't a pesticide; what it does is make the pyrethins more effective.

That said if I was worried about 'chemicals' (in inverted commas as pretty much everything is a chemical) then I would also be worried about pyrethins as they aren't very nice chemicals (just because they are natural doesn't mean they are nice).

As it is I don't care too much as I believe the potential harm from fly poo outweighs the potential harm from robocans.

[Georgebulldog]

Here
http://flyscreens.co.nz/
&
http://www.venluree.co.nz/section/crimsafe/

Something I've been thinking about for the last year but not had chance to look into, I still use the can but this worries me as never thought about it before having 2 youngsters I don't like spraying it 24/7 either

[Sam B]

Well, we have magnetic flyscreens on one window in every room. They were made and fitted by Magicseal, it's an Australian company, but with operators all over NZ. They weren't cheap, but they are worth every dollar. We hate chemicals too, and I like to have as many windows open as possible in Summer, so we splashed out.

The screens peel off if you want to store them in Winter.

[Sam B]

PS It doesn't matter which way your windows open or where the handles are, they can adapt the screens to fit. So clever!

[Ana&Steve]

Besides screens and fly strips, you could see about Big Stinkys. www.bigstinkyflytrap.com
They are for outdoor use but it could help talk the flies out of going inside...they are great to use around horses and chickens, which is where I learned of them.
Also, though probably not available in NZ, my mom gets these little wasps in the mail and hatches them near the horse pen. They prey on one of the stages of the fly lifecycle, can't remember which.
www.jefferslivestock.com/ssc/product.asp?CID=2&pf_id=14043
I can't blame you on the chemical thing. We used pyrethins in flea shampoos at the groomers back in the day, but 10 years ago one of our clients died a few hours after bathing and the Vet said it was pyrethins that poisoned it. Mind you it was from long term exposure (poor dog ALWAYS had fleas when it came in) but we immediatly stopped using pyrethin products.

Good hunting:nice1

[Duncan74]

Being a good yorkshireman, then our approach in the UK is a bit more 'cost effective' than buying the fly screen systems. Simple wooden frame, could of hinges, and some plain fine net curtain material stapled to the home made wooden screen. Sorted. Costs about a tenner a door, and windows can be done the same (but on the inside assuming it opens outwards). Bit of white gloss and looks fine.

[Genie]

Being a good yorkshireman, then our approach in the UK is a bit more 'cost effective' ...

Ey up Duncan. What are you saying bout Yorkshire folk being 'careful with there money'!! :exit

I'm really interested in finding something to help with the flies, which isn't a spray. Two cats would be an answer you'd think, but not when they can catch swallows and disect them on the living room floor. :yes

[Mgee]

There's a type of scented geranium/pelargonum that smells of citronella, and it's said to repel flies and mozzies. My granmother used to grow it in a pot on her kitchen windowsill to keep all kinds of flying insects out. Can't guarantee it works for NZ flies, but maybe worth a try? I guess you could also grow it in your flowerbeds in warmer climates.

[Kanga]

We had magiscreen magnetic flyscreens made for our windows too and they were about $120 per window.

[GrumpyGoat]

OH and I are designing DIY (maybe magnetic) window screens right now. :cheers

I am hoping that we can do it for MUCH less than $120 per window!!

I will let you know what we figure out!!

The research on the spray cans has really scared me. I hope anyone using them reconsiders.

[Familyofmonkeys]

Oh we had a UV bug zapper when I was a kid. We used it outside in the evenings and it controlled the mosquitos really well, but I don't know their efficacy on flies.

We bought a UV bug zapper last summer....it said it worked for flies, but it didn't work at all. We took it back to Mitre 10 and got our money back. That said, my dad has a large one in UK in his kitchen that is very effective at controlling flies....I need to ask him more details about it and find out why it works better.

Another thing we tried last year was using a citrus based surface cleaner for the kitchen counters....although it stopped flies landing there, they then decided to perch on the cupboard doors instead.....still, it was a step in the right direction.

We won't use insecticide chemicals at all......even natural pyrithins aren't that safe and I can't find any info on long term studies regarding their safety. As for the spray cans....they can release more of the chemical in a 2 second spray than the robocan things release in 24 hours, and have been proven to cause allerrgy problems with some people.

I expect long term we will just have to find a combination of ways that control flies.....fly screens on bedroom windows, deterring plants round the outside of the house, growing mint and basil on kitchen workbench (did this in UK on kitchen windowsill and it worked well at stopping insects flying in) etc etc.

[Mels]

found this company a while ago, not contacted them yet though.

http://homeplus.co.nz/products/security/7.php

Mels

[Ngeru]

OH and I are designing DIY (maybe magnetic) window screens right now. :cheers

I am hoping that we can do it for MUCH less than $120 per window!!

I will let you know what we figure out!!

The research on the spray cans has really scared me. I hope anyone using them reconsiders.

You can buy all the gear from Bunnings to make them up yourself.

[Carey]

We're debating all this right now too, having been warned of the flies but seeing really is believeing and it wasn't pleasant. WHY are there so many flies? Could understnad if we lived on a farm but in town?

[GrumpyGoat]

We're debating all this right now too, having been warned of the flies but seeing really is believeing and it wasn't pleasant. WHY are there so many flies? Could understnad if we lived on a farm but in town?

This is a question I keep asking myself

WHY SO MANY FLIES??

WHY WHY WHY:wah:wah

[Wooly_Cow]

Non Chemical Alternative for Fly control........Fly swat - hours of fun :)

[Familyofmonkeys]

Non Chemical Alternative for Fly control........Fly swat - hours of fun :)

:laugh:laugh

Actually i'm going to get my OH one this year.....I got sick of him using the un-read newspaper to swat flies last year :uhoh

[Sam B]

Just splash out on the flyscreens, and enjoy years of fly free happiness.

[GrumpyGoat]

For everyone who advocates the use of the fly swatter---what about all the fly guts?

I hate flies.
I hate fly poop on everything.

But fly guts? Honestly, it is just too much.


And last year, there were HUNDREDS of them. It was like an invasion and I tried to smash as many as possible. But then I would spend HOURS cleaning fly guts.

Truly gross

I think I have post traumatic stress disorder about the whole episode.

(but, hey, I don't have to worry about snakes and that means a LOT!!)

[JasonS]

GG, how are those DIY fly screens coming along? we have thought about making our own as well...just have not had the time to do it.

laurel

[Sam B]

Before our new house and magicseal flyscreens, we made our own home-made fly screens and they worked ok, but they were quite cumbersome whenever we wanted to open and close the windows, because we had to remove the whole thing. What we did (well what J did cos this is not my thing) was he got 4 pieces of wood and made a frame that slotted into the inside of the window so snugly that it just sat there and stood up by itself. Then he stapled a thin metal gauze onto it. We had to remove the whole frame to open and shut the windows, but they worked fine really, just didn't look all that great.

[GrumpyGoat]

Before our new house and magicseal flyscreens, we made our own home-made fly screens and they worked ok, but they were quite cumbersome whenever we wanted to open and close the windows, because we had to remove the whole thing. What we did (well what J did cos this is not my thing) was he got 4 pieces of wood and made a frame that slotted into the inside of the window so snugly that it just sat there and stood up by itself. Then he stapled a thin metal gauze onto it. We had to remove the whole frame to open and shut the windows, but they worked fine really, just didn't look all that great.

This is what we are hoping to get made. There is no way to install screens either on the inside or outside that will be fixed in place (because of the window design) so we are just planning to open the windows and shove a wood framed screen in the space. Or something like that. This is OH's dept. to build.
As he works usually 60-80 hours a week, it might take a while. Fortunately, the weather has been far too cold to worry about it. TBH, I only opened the windows about 10 times last summer. (Yes, I am THAT cold here)

[GrumpyGoat]

We have determined that magnetic screens just won't work on these windows.

These windows that swing out with giant handles on the inside are very difficult to add screens too!!
Our US windows just slide up and down--no handles.

[Sam B]

Magicseal can make screens for ANY windows - that's what they say, our handles get in the way too. It's very clever. Phone them.

[Kanga]

This is what we are hoping to get made. There is no way to install screens either on the inside or outside that will be fixed in place (because of the window design) so we are just planning to open the windows and shove a wood framed screen in the space. Or something like that. This is OH's dept. to build.
As he works usually 60-80 hours a week, it might take a while. Fortunately, the weather has been far too cold to worry about it. TBH, I only opened the windows about 10 times last summer. (Yes, I am THAT cold here)

Ours were made of floppy magnetic strips so when shut the magnetic strips just curved round the handles. They had a special finger catch that you use to lift them forward to open the window and then the whole screen sat snug. Hard to describe but it worked and as you don't need every window done it's not that pricey.

[72andsunny]

I don't have time to read the whole thread, but in case nobody has said it yet: "Spiders!!!"

[BkyMonster]

I don't have time to read the whole thread, but in case nobody has said it yet: "Spiders!!!"
Not enough here.
I know everyone already thinks I'm crazy, but I miss them. And the frogs, and other things that eat flies.