Grow Your Own Magazine

I have swarms of them. What is the best way to get rid of them and anyone know why they are coming in? Thanks.

What sort of "midgies" are they? Really small flies could be compost gnats (scariad flies). Maybe the greenhouse isn't ventilated properly, encouraging them. You can use yellow sticky traps (which are pretty effective, but not pleasant if you walk into them), or you can use insecticide if you don't mind using chemicals. I would try and improve the conditions in the greenhouse - more ventilation, and not too hot and wet.

thank you for reply. It's definately not the ventilation, I have plenty of that and it's not wet, the greenhouse is on top of patio. I've put up those flypaper things and yes I keep getting my hair stuck in it. I don't know what kind they are but they are the kind we see a lot around our neighbours yew tree.

Do they bite? Scottish midges do and you have to either cover up completely with a midge net over your head (actually a pair of tights works quite well) or use Jungle Formula wipes (gives you about 40 minutes before they start biting again. There's absolutely no way I can get the midges out of the polytunnel until a breeze starts blowing again.

Oh poor you. Yes I've heard about the scottish midges, when we were thinking of buying up there someone said whatever you do don't buy near water. Anyway no they've not bitten me up til now.

Hello Cheffi, well if they don't bight they are only a minor nuisance. What makes you think they are midges- they definately bight. Why not just hang up some fly papers and catch them - whatever they are.

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From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.

I have put up fly papers but strangely they seem to hover near the floor for some reason.

perhaps they've got vertigo

They could stil be fungus gnats as it's the compost that needs to be damp not the G/house especially if you use multi purpose ( soilesss)

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ntg

Never be afraid to try something new.
Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark.
A large group of professionals built the Titanic

http://grief-encounters.blogspot.com/

I think the dog bought some in tonight - midges that is - as we've been bitten all night whilst watching Coast!

If they are hovering round the floor I don't think they are midges, they operate at all levels. Mosquitoes don't fly high and I get them in the greenhouse bighting my ankles. BUT they do bight. So maybe these little blighters are something else. Some kind of gnat. Don't know anything about them.

Jennie, have you got the midgies already. They haven't turned up here yet. But they will !!

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From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.

There's something to remember to take off before you nip in to the bank!

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Hazel
www.hazelandjanesallotment.blogspot.com
update Thu 28/08/2008......Disaster Strikes!......

I suppose you could be right. What can I use on them? ie is it ok to spray flykiller in there

Believe me a pair of tights is the best thing I know to keep the midges away.

We came to Scotland for our honeymoon - so long ago! - and unlike most people didn't stay in a hotel but went camping. I had the clothes from my going away suit packed in the bag and thankfully I suddenly thought of the pair of tights (new fangled things in those days and quite expensive!). They were an absolute godsend, as this was the days before midge netting in tents.

People don't believe us when we say we spent our honeymoon wearing a pair of tights They have been a staple in my camping bag ever since.

I've been camping in Scotland, wonderful place but oh dear those midges are worse than African Mosquitoes. They're so tiny they can get through gaps you can't even see. And at least the mozzies have the decency to buzz to let you know they're around.

Jennie - I MUST ask! How, where and what did you do with your tights?! Bernie

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One in each leg! (?) Togetherness!

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vegheaven.blogspot.com Updated Aug 29th 2008

You got it Flum!

I need to retitle this thread GREENFLY in the greenhouse.