The Brew Cabin

Hi Tony,
I know this isn't your specialist area but I am hoping you may have seen this problem elsewhere. Since this summer I have been having problems with filter flies in my kitchen. I can't identify where they might be coming from. They are very small (about 2 mm long). I had my windows/kitchen changed last year and didn't have a problem before then. The kitchen is north facing and has damp crazy paving and lawn outside. Apparently the flies like this type of environment. I can't see them outside though. Maybe the light is too bright for me to see them.
Sorry if this isn't a relavent question for your site but I've been trying to get to the bottom of this and the local council hasn't been of much help.
I have booked in a pest control company for next weekend but I'm not sure they will really get to the bottom of the problem. They'll probably recommend I spray everything when it may not even help.

Thanks for any tips.

Hi Max,

I've no idea what to suggest. If you do think it stems from the damp paving outside, then maybe a paving sealant would help, but I can't be sure.

What about if you got a pack of those incredibly sticky yellow card thingies that I use in my greenhouse to trap whitefly, and position one or two where you think the flies are getting in, just to test your theory? It's only a couple of quid for a pack of 7 sticky-cards from B&Q - could be worth a go, perhaps?

Otherwise, it's wait for the Pest Control boys - they are often very, very good at identifying sources.

Thanks very much for your tips which I will try tomorrow.

Has it helped at all?

I have to come clean and say I didn't get a chance to try anything on Sunday. I was knackered after working until 1:00am that morning. I think I will wait for the pest control guy on Sat. and see what he says. I will update this posting on Monday. I can't apply the paving sealant without prep. work because the paving has moss on it.