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Vermicomposting

Fly problems... (drain flies?)

6 years ago

So I thought I had fungus gnats in the bin but after further research it looks like they are drain flies. I see that this can become a problem because the flies that live in drains literally thrive in organic decaying material.

My gnat traps are not working and dry bedding doesn't seem to slow them down. We have them all over the place.

My boyfriend and I both have asthma (although mine is mild, his is pretty severe) and we have both been sick for 2 weeks with a nasty bronchitis, upper respiratory illness.

I read that drain flies can exacerbate asthma and now I am really concerned about getting this under control ASAP.

I read about beneficial nematodes and using mosquito netting around the bin.

What do you guys suggest? Have you ever had drain flies? Any other ideas?

Thanks!

the photo above was taken off the internet, the fuzzy wings are not obvious when looking at them with the naked eye.

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Comments (5)

Emily Leuba
Original Author
6 years ago
This is a picture of one of the flies on my bathroom tile wall.
theparsley
6 years ago
Definitely looks like a drain fly. I've seen them before although I have not had them with my current bin. I am a strong proponent of keeping netting over the bin and it's been successful for me with eliminating fungus gnats and fruit flies. It certainly seems worth a try.
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Emily Leuba
Original Author
6 years ago
I am setting that up ASAP. Thanks.
theparsley
6 years ago
I'm not sure I mentioned it anywhere in the other topic, but it also helps to have a good vacuum cleaner deployed nearby at all times. The netting won't kill any flying critters, it just prevents them from getting back in after they fly out...and once they're out, they'll still be in your space. You can lift up the netting periodically and vacuum out the flying beasties, and vacuum up any loose flies that may be around lights or wherever they tend to land. Since my bin is in my basement I kept my big Shop Vac nearby and plugged in.
Emily Leuba
Original Author
6 years ago
I don't have enough to warrant a vacuum yet, but once I do, I will definitely take advice! Thanks!

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