Huge fly problem in fall & winter

[Lynne Brennan]

We purchased a log cottage in Alberta as recreation property. We have found when we turn up the heat in the fall & winter - hundreds of flies appear. We don't know what is causing the problem and as we are not experienced log home builders - have come to this forum for your help.
What do you think is causing this problem and who can we get to fix it.
Your help would be very much appreciated as I'm tired of picking flies out of my cooking!
LB

[rreidnauer]

The problem isn't inherent of a log home, rather this can happen to any home. Just as you've noticed, it's the heat they are attracted to, and they're finding a way in to get to that heat. We have a similar problems with box elder beetles and ladybugs. You got to find the places they are getting in at, and close up those gaps. Unfortunately, most preventative pests insecticides are ineffective against flying insects.

[linuxboy]

If you have gaps on the outside of your house, flies will typically get in and make a nest. A favorite place is in the insulation or any space between the exterior and interior (I'm not sure how your house is built).

Really, the only way I know of is to take a day off and sit around and watch for them to find out the source, then seal up the openings. If you seal it up, it'll solve the problem.

[stockhatch]

Flies make nests? :?

[linuxboy]

I'm not sure what else to call it. They go in and lay a bunch of larvae, which grow up to the adult fly. Maybe swarm? But that's for bees. I got it... they make a bunch-o-flies :)

[Lynne Brennan]

Thanks to those that replied to my question about flies in fall & winter. I take that the flies get in through spaces between the logs in the summer and lay their larva in the logs. When the heat is turned up in winter they them hatch?
We should then get someone to fill in the spaces. What type of material is used to fill the spaces and can we do it ourselves? I know the logs have insulation between them - but obviously there is spaces/cracks some where.
Thanks again for your help.
LB

[modell]

What about just using some of the canned bug bombs? It should be able to creep into the little hiding places and take care of the pests.

[dbtoo]

This was recently posted on another site:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/loghometalk/message/11662

You may have to register with yahoo for an id.

[gandtodd]

Hi, I feel your pain! We were inundated with these "cluster flies" and recently with lady bugs here in our Vermont log home. We have long shed dormers running the length of our cape on both sides, and they are built with 2X6 walls and then the hand peeled roof rafters sit on top. This is a Crocket Log Home kit, with milled wall logs with double tongue and grooves sealed with bituminous tape. The snow blocking between the roof rafters is just 2x material fitted between the rafters which have slots cut into them with a chainsaw, and they are further sealed with clear silicone (not too well, I guess). This fall I finall got around to insulating these areas between the rafters with 2" rigid foam, then foaming them in for a perfect seal. I'm not sure how much energy we have saved with this 2 day job, but the flies and ladybugs are gone. I think they tend to move up the outer walls and when they hit the soffit, or rake, they go into the tiniest crack. Good luck!