Flies/mosquitoes hanging out under stoop--how to discourage?

Hi everyone,Since it got warm I’ve noticed that any time I go to the (English) basement entrance, a bunch of assorted mosquitoes and flies come swarming out. We don’t store trash under there, there is no standing water, and there isn’t even a door under the stoop, but nonetheless they seem to be hanging out in the space between the gate and the house door. Does anyone know what causes this, and how to make the area less attractive to them? Is it just because it’s shady and cool? Whatever it is, it’s really gross any time you try to come in that door.

nf85

in Cellar 13 years and 10 months ago

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HouseNut | 13 years and 10 months ago

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I have this same problem too!  I was thinking of a venus fly trap, but I don’t know if it would receive enough light.  The dunks are a great suggestion, because we do have the drain there.  Does that help with the fly breeding too?

wyckoff | 13 years and 10 months ago

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Tony’s Hardware on Smith has them.  I’d be surprised if Lowe’s doesn’t have them.  Otherwise amazon.com….

SewardWasRight | 13 years and 10 months ago

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anyone know where to purchase this stuff here in Brooklyn? mosquito dunks?

Arkady | 13 years and 10 months ago

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I’d also hang a flypaper strip under there – unsightly but effective.

wyckoff | 13 years and 10 months ago

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Shady and cool is one major reason, and nothing you can do about that aspect except to install a screen door.  I’m guessing you have a drain down there, and if you take off the drain cover you will undoubtedly see water.  Throw a mosquito dunk in the drain for a big difference in 4-5 days, and repeat once a month or so.  I’ve not found anything else that has a lasting impact.

likemike | 13 years and 10 months ago

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There is always a reason, have you tried using bug spray? For weeks since the warming weather there would be a swarm of gnats hovering in front of my balcony door daily. Eventually I found out they were living/breeding within my window/door cracks (the areas that were missing caulk) and on my screens until I moved the screen and hosed them out. Now they’re mostly gone pretty much.