FLYING VISIT
How to get rid of tiny black flies and what causes them?
Plus why you might need to ring the GP after a fly bite
THE warm weather means you may be opening up a window to let some fresh air into your home.
However, this comes with the risk of letting bugs in which can include little black flies. Here's how you can prevent that.
1
What are tiny black thin flies?
Tiny black flies zapping around your home can be very annoying.
The critters can often be found in fruit bowls, around house plants and in your sink.
Fruit flies
Flies buzzing near your fresh produce are aptly named fruit flies.
These insects are drawn to over-ripe fruit as well as fermenting food in sinks, cleaning equipment, and kitchen bins.
Adult fruit flies are 3 to 5 mm long and a light brown colour along with the abdomen having two light-coloured rings.
Drain flies
If it's not a fruit fly you're seeing, the black flies could be drain flies - also known as moth flies.
Drain flies are very small and only measure around a quarter of an inch long.
They have small, hairy bodies that are brown or black that have a fuzzy appearance.
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They also have hairy wings that are shaped like leaves.
These pests are attracted to water, so naturally you'll find them near kitchen and bathroom sinks, or near taps and faucets.
I tried everything to get rid of fruit flies, including a deep clean and traps everywhere, but the answer was so much simpler than that… AND it’s free
Fungus gnats
If the tiny flies in your homes are attracted to your plants they will be fungus gnats, also known as sciarid flies.
They love being near your plant's compost.
You'll know if it is an adult fungus gnat if you see a greyish brown fly that are mostly 3-4mm long.
No see ums
Other critters which could be the little black flies in your home are the oddly named no see ums.
These flying insects are incredibly difficult to spot - hence the name - but can give you a nip.
They are more commonly known as biting midges and are so small they can often get through an insect door screen.
Adults are only about 1/8 inch in length and are grey with wings that are covered with small hairs.
Midges come from the same family as mosquitoes - and no one wants mozzies in their home as that can lead to getting bitten.
You can normally tell if the flying bug in your house is a mosquito by the distinctive buzzing noise it makes.
Are tiny black flies harmful?
If you're bitten by a tiny black fly it can often be itchy, red and the bite may even swell up.
The areas where you're most likely to be bitten are:
- Head
- Neck
- Forearms
- Face
- Legs
- Feet
It is unlikely that infectious diseases are passed on but some people do have a reaction and insects can cause serious illnesses.
The NHS states: "Insect bites or stings are not usually serious and get better in a few days.
"But sometimes they can become infected or cause a serious allergic reaction."
Wash the area with soap and water - and don't scratch.
You can always visit a pharmacist if you are worried and they can advise you on treatment option.
If any symptoms continue or get worse over time then it's time to pay a visit to your GP or call 111.
How do I get rid of little black flies?
You can try making a black fly trap, the most popular being a vinegar trap.
Place a few teaspoons of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, a few drops of dish washing liquid and a table spoon of sugar in a bowl and stir.
Place the bowl in the area where the black flies are prevalent.
This will attract the flies and drown them.
Other hacks to keep the bugs at bay include using lemon as flies are revolted by citrus.
Try bleaching your drains if you find them in your kitchen or bathroom.
Pour down the bleach until there are no black flies near the drain.
You can also try making a candle trap by placing the candle in a holder partially filled with water.
Light the candle and turn off the lights.
The flies will be attracted to the flame but will be burned or fall into the water and drown.
You could also install an electric insect killer.
They kill flies with an electric charge when they fly into the device.
These are a good option for your garden as you can place them anywhere and flies will still be attracted to them in the fresh air.
Alternatively, you could fork out the cash and call a pest control company.
It's always good to try preventative methods first - for example, water plants less as flies need damp compost to survive, keep waste to a minimum and empty bins, and store fruit in the fridge or suitable containers.
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Insect screens on open doors and windows can prevent some entering your home.
It's also best to make sure that cracks are covered up.
Keep pests out all summer
IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know.
Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay.
Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent.
Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents.
Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass.
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