The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Smallholding => Techniques and skills => Topic started by: blades on July 10, 2011, 06:41:06 pm

Title: Flies and more flies
Post by: blades on July 10, 2011, 06:41:06 pm

Is it me or does there seem to be a lot more flies around this year? The front of our farmhouse is surrounded by about 8 quite large sycamore trees..... can anyone tell me if these trees attract more flies? Have considered taking them down and replacing with apple trees.

Thanks in advance

Title: Re: Flies and more flies
Post by: jaykay on July 10, 2011, 08:27:53 pm

Sycamores seem to attract/shelter flies, midges and greenfly  :P We took down five going rotten huge ones last year and have had far fewer of all.

RedTop fly traps, hung in said trees, are very effective.

Title: Re: Flies and more flies
Post by: melodrama on July 10, 2011, 08:40:09 pm

Where do I get my hands on those fly traps?  We have 3 Sycamores and the flies and midges are horrendous!!!
Melanie

Title: Re: Flies and more flies
Post by: jaykay on July 10, 2011, 08:42:40 pm

I think I got mine from Ascott. You need midge-magnets (very expensive) for actual midges though.

Title: Re: Flies and more flies
Post by: melodrama on July 10, 2011, 08:44:27 pm

Thanks, they are such a pain this year, I am being bitten all the time.  We stay not far from a little loch and one years is really bad and the next ok - this is the bad year! x

Title: Re: Flies and more flies
Post by: blades on July 10, 2011, 08:47:47 pm

Quote from: jaykay on July 10, 2011, 08:27:53 pm

Sycamores seem to attract/shelter flies, midges and greenfly  :P We took down five going rotten huge ones last year and have had far fewer of all.

RedTop fly traps, hung in said trees, are very effective.

Thanks.... not sure why but sycamore trees are really the only trees I am not passionate about.... time for them to go I think!

Title: Re: Flies and more flies
Post by: deepinthewoods on July 10, 2011, 08:51:36 pm

they grow like weeds in the s.w.
good timber for green woodworking and seasoned it does burn.

Title: Re: Flies and more flies
Post by: blades on July 10, 2011, 08:55:43 pm

I'm in the North East of Scotland, Aberdeenshire..... around here they have become a bit of a problem, as you mention growing like weeds as they self seed.

Title: Re: Flies and more flies
Post by: melodrama on July 10, 2011, 09:14:12 pm

I'm forever taking sycamore "babies" out of the garden to prevent them being everywhere!

Title: Re: Flies and more flies
Post by: egglady on July 10, 2011, 09:18:18 pm

try using Avon's Skin So Soft spray (soft & fresh - the green one).  really good for midgies - and it smells nice too :)

Title: Re: Flies and more flies
Post by: jaykay on July 11, 2011, 06:41:49 am

That's what I use on an everyday basis. Also have Mosiguard and DEET as back ups!

Title: Re: Flies and more flies
Post by: egglady on July 11, 2011, 09:45:34 am

oh and if you havent got an Avon rep give me a shout.....as i am one lol

and skin so soft is £1.50 per bottle in the latest campaign

Not that that is why i suggested it!

Title: Re: Flies and more flies
Post by: melodrama on July 11, 2011, 11:10:11 am

I do have a rep up here and I'll defo give her a shout and order some - little buggers got me right between my pinkie and ring finger yesterday and its itching like crazy  :'( ::) :'(