The Climate Invasion – House flies are coming, what do we do? How does climate change impact the insect population? Global warming is a sad part of our reality, and even more unfortunately, it affects more than just the temperature of the planet. The rising temperatures mean that houseflies are multiplying. Insects, bugs and flies thrive in warm weather, this means that because winters are less harsh and summers are longer, breeding season is extended and survival rates are drastically improved. Many flies and insects also enjoy humidity, not only is it better for reproduction, but rising rates of humidity also make more locations a favourable location for bugs. With the warming of many areas, there also comes the problem of the things that attract flies. When things quickly decompose in bins or litter festers on streets, flies are often attracted to the area. With flies being attracted to houses, it will make them a more common household problem as the decomposing substances act as food for flies. Urban areas are also a potential destination for an increased fly populations as they are becoming known as ‘heat islands’. Due to the infrastructure such as buildings and roads, the heat generated in these locations could increase. This would make many houses and workplaces hotspots for house flies. Which flies you’ll see more of You might be wondering what sort of bugs and flies that you’re going to see more of and what effects they might have on life in the UK. Mosquitos Mosquitos used to be something that you had to face when going on holiday. The bugs are known for their itchy bites as well as their tendency to carry diseases such as malaria and West Nile virus. The problem with warming temperatures means that the UK is becoming more of an ideal habitat for mosquitos. House Flies House flies are already the bane of most peoples summer – they’re only going to get worse. Rising temperatures make it a more welcoming environment to the common house pests. They can carry and pass on various diseases, with everything from E. Coli to parasitic infections. Wasps Warmer weather not only attracts wasps, but it extends the breeding period and gives them higher survival rates during winter. As wasps can become more aggressive in autumn, this can mean prolonged periods of time where wasp stings are likely – it also means that finding a wasp nest somewhere inconvenient is more likely. Spiders When the number of flies increases, so too does the number of spiders. Many species of spider thrive in warmer climates, which is bad news for those who don’t like the eight legged beasts. Agricultural Pests Climate change creates an improved habitat for pests such as aphids, caterpillars and bugs. This creates a problem for those who work in agriculture as these creatures can lead to higher levels of crop damage. This poses a problem to food supply, not just in terms of damaged crops, but also in terms of increased amounts of pesticides that are used on the food supply. What should you do? The problem with increasing temperatures is that people want to open their windows and let in fresh air, and in doing so let in bugs, flying insects and other undesirable creatures. Though there isn’t much that you can do about rising insect populations, there are things that can be done to limit your own exposure to bugs. Fly Screens for Windows Investing in a window fly screen can help to prevent flying insects and bugs from entering through window openings. Window screens are an effective method of still providing airflow while stopping pests from entering. Window fly screens are designed to fit a variety of windows, so it doesn’t matter if you have sash windows or sliding windows, there will be a fly screen to meet your needs. The insect mesh still allows daylight and fresh air to blow through while blocking the entry of unwanted pests. Fly Screens for Doors Similar to insect screens for windows, fly screen doors allow airflow and light into your home, all while keeping flies out. They can be applied to a range of doors, from patio doors, french doors or hinged fly screens can be applied to a regular door. There are a range of solutions for doors, fly screens are also often suggested for commercial kitchen doors as a pest control solution for hygiene reasons. In a home setting, sliding fly screens can be an ideal option for larger patio doors where the screens slide to the side to allow easy use, while also easily slide back to prevent flies and pests from entering. Seal Gaps A bug can find a way through even the smallest of spaces, be that a gap in a wall or under a door – if there is a space for a bug to enter, it will. Sealing these gaps is not only energy efficient in the winter months, but the ideal solution in the summer months for keeping pests at bay. Prioritise Cleanliness Flies and insects are attracted by certain scents, as it is a prime food source. in the summer months where temperatures are warmer and food breaks down and decomposes faster, bugs are more likely to be attracted to your house. It is important to make sure that rubbish is disposed of quickly, and that bins inside the house are taken to your recycling regularly. When storing your external bins you should also consider the proximity to your doors and windows – the further away flies are kept from the direct property, the less likely they are to get inside. If you’re in need of a fly screen, we stock everything from roller fly screens to bespoke fly screens for your windows and our team are happy to walk you through our range and how they can help you thrive in a pest free environment.
