Annoying flies

[Mel_374394758]

We bought a Ace Ambassador Jubilee caravan just over a year ago and I must say we are very happy with it.

I'm seeking experienced advice about a little problem I have. I don't know who to ask as I'm new to caravanning!

Throughout the year I have been plagued with flies inside the caravan regardless of closed fly screens on the windows and door. I always associated flies with the summer and hot weather. We went away for a week over the new year in the hard frost and a minus six degree temperature outside. We seemed to get dozens of flies at a time appearing inside the caravan. As fast as I could clear them, another lot appeared. If I opened a drawer they would fly out or a cupboard they would fly out and even the wardrobe at times.

I'm hoping your experienced caravaners can help? Do you know?

Is this a common problem?

Are they living or laying dormant on the caravan?

Are they living outside but entering the caravan through the Fridge vents in the side?

Is there a way of deterring them? I can't use fly spray as I have a dog.

We keep the caravan very clean, there is nothing there to attract flies, as far as we know!

I do hope you could shed a little light on this problem?

Regards,

Mel.

 

[Damian]

Mel, flies are a perennial problem , its not just your van!!

They get in a variety of ways to overwinter in a cosy place, through fridge vents, fixed ventilation and even under the window and door seals.

The only thing you can do is use fly spray every now and then when the van is empty to kill off the pests.

We have dogs too and they are fine as long as we dont spray when they are in the van, but going out for the day, we quite often spray the van as we are leaving, and by the time we come back, it has done its job and dispersed.

 

[Mel_374394758]

Mel, flies are a perennial problem , its not just your van!!

They get in a variety of ways to overwinter in a cosy place, through fridge vents, fixed ventilation and even under the window and door seals.

The only thing you can do is use fly spray every now and then when the van is empty to kill off the pests.

We have dogs too and they are fine as long as we dont spray when they are in the van, but going out for the day, we quite often spray the van as we are leaving, and by the time we come back, it has done its job and dispersed.

Thanks for the advice, what you say makes sense. I'll make sure we pray each time we leave the caravan. Thanks again for your help.

 

[emmerson2]

We had this problem in a static van we hired over new year. I think the flies were hibernating,in the roof spave, and when we put the heating on it woke them up. As damien said, fly spray when you go out, and sweep them up on return.

 

[rob2703]

Mel,

These are cluster flies probably.

Unfortunately once they like a place they keep coming back to it.

They're just looking for somewhere warm especially in undisturbed places like lofts,attic rooms and maybe caravans.

Google for lots of info.

Rob2

 

[cazone]

Hi Mel, I wonder if you have had a stray fly in your van that has laid eggs somewhere, and they have now hatched? I always spray fly spray in the van after every use, before I lock it up. We have just bought a plug in insect repellant, it has a blue light that is supposed yo attract flying insects, and then electrocutes them. Hope thid was useful, Cheers, Roy.

 

[Bigfoot]

We've suffered with this before. They will find a convenient place to hibernate and emerge when the heating goes on or the weather warms. I found the vast majority hide behind the windows outside where they overlap the body. During the layup and before you use the van first open all windows wide and brush or hoover the little blighters away. That should solve most of the problem. You may still get a few in the sky light blinds or the front locker.

Happy swatting !!!

 

[Rodone]

Buy a new aerosol can of 'Raid' fly and wasp killer. ( Or similiar) When the van is not going to be used for a few hours, open all of the cupboards etc., take a deep breath, and sqirt as much as you can of the aerosol, at high level - then leave for as long as possible. Don't skimp on the ammount that you squirt - give it a really good go! Obviously cover fruit etc- and take Mr Dog out with you. On your return, only ex-wildlife will remain. Almost guaranteed!

 

[emmitdb]

Greetings Mel,

About four years ago we were on a rally and we experienced something similar to your problem.

It became so bad that we closed the door to van and drove home for the night after spraying liberally with fly spray. On returning to the van the next morning the surfaces of the van were covered, and I mean covered in flys.

The flys had entered the van via the fridge vents and it seems were attracted to the warmth emitted from it.

I was given a piece of flyscreen that in turn had been bought from Lidl to cover a sliding door. I took off all the fridge vents and tacked a piece of flyscreen on the back of the vent using super glue. I also took off every floor vent and found that I could use a piece of the flyscreen to prevent any access by our winged friends.

Before anyone gets on their soapbox, I did not block off any of the vents but merely covered them with a fine mesh.

It will occupy you for a morning but will prevent a reoccurence.

Regards