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Name: Unknown
Status: other
Age: 30s
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 2000-2001
Question:
Houseflies-- every late Sept. to early Oct our 18th floor, West exposure apartment swarms with houseflies in the window (9 ft from floor). We remove approx. 20-30/day with a vacuum cleaner. The drapes are new, the house is clean. There is no food/liquid where they congregate.

Why are they coming? (How, other than screening the apartment, do I discourage them?) The temp. is higher than 25 C long before this becomes a problem. I live in Vanc. BC. Please advise.

Replies:
Dometicus horribilus will hatch in the remains of almost any organic matter that will allow their sustenance. They bloom during periods of warmth after stretches of cold.

PF

You must check any area they can breed. This includes houseplant soil and and cracks in woodwork, especially where water might be available. Over the short term, once any habitat or potential food are removed, the flies will quickly cease to live in the area.

Ric Rupnik

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