Q: Even though I keep my
patio door and windows closed, flies get into the house at this time
of year. They sit on the sunny southwest window and then die. It is
quite unpleasant. How do they get in and what can I do about it?
A: It sounds as though you are describing cluster
flies. They are parasites in earthworms during the summer. In fall,
they fly to buildings to seek any small spaces or cracks by which they
can get inside for the winter.
They often find their way into wall voids and other
cavities, particularly on the south and west sides of structures,
where it's warmest. Eventually they can emerge into homes through
small spaces, such as around light fixtures.
There are two steps to take when trying to keep fall
nuisance invaders out:
—Seal as many potential entry spaces as possible
around the entire building. Check especially around windows, doors and
fascia boards. Examine areas where different materials meet, such as
brick and wood. Also be sure to inspect areas where utility lines
enter homes. You can't make a home completely
"insect-proof," but sealing cracks and spaces will minimize
the number of cluster flies that get inside.
—Consider supplementing these efforts with an
insecticide barrier around the outside of your home. Again,
concentrate your efforts around windows and doors. Use an insecticide
labeled for the exterior of buildings or hire an experienced pest
management company for the job.
—Jeff Hahn, entomologist, University of Minnesota
Extension
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CLEANING JUGS
Q: I purchase filtered drinking water in plastic
gallon jugs (like milk jugs) from a local grocery store, where they
are refilled. How often and how should the jugs be cleaned? For
example, should I use dishwashing liquid and then rinse out the jug
thoroughly?
A: Cleaning before every fill-up makes sense. Simply
use dishwashing detergent and hot water. Because antibacterial
cleaners are so heavily promoted, it's easy to forget that cleaning
with detergent and water is very effective.