From the Which? website (I'll see if I can find the section that dealt with the sprays and creams):
Dealing with wasps and fliesFlies, mosquitoes and midges
As well as being a nuisance, flies can spread harmful bacteria
Flies, mosquitos and midges are common garden pests. Flies can land on food - spreading nasty bacteria that could cause food poisoning - and bites from bloodthirsty mozzies and midges can itch for days.
There are a number of ways to keep these insects at bay, ranging from creams you put on your skin to battery powered vaporisers. But the best way to deal with mosquitos and midges is to keep them away from the very beginning.
You can do this by:
- ensuring water butts have well-fitting lids,
- clearing gutters and drains of rotting leaves,
- changing bird bath water weekly,
- avoiding patio heaters (the carbon dioxide they give off is a potent attractant),
- wearing long-sleeved shirts and tops, and trousers, especially during the evening,
- keeping ponds stocked with fish, and
- avoiding sweetly-scented products such as perfumes and creams - don't use them if possible.
What about citronella?
Because of European safety regulations, it’s now illegal to sell citronella candles, sprays or oils as insect repellents. This is because manufacturers have yet to prove they’re safe.
This ban also applies to products containing eucalyptus and myrtle oils, so watch out for those too.
Light traps
Flypaper and light traps can help you deal with the problem
House flies, mosquitoes and midges are attracted to artificial light – particularly the ultra-violet part of the spectrum. Light traps exploit this behaviour by using UV bulbs to lure insects onto an electrically-charged grid.
However, these traps may also zap moths and lacewings and, according to researchers at the University of Florida, they don’t work well in daylight or well-lit areas. The effectiveness will also depend on the brightness and spectral make-up of the trap’s light.
The
STV552 Portable Rechargeable Insect Killer (£39.95) has a built-in rechargeable battery so can be used away from a power point for several hours. It also has a mains adaptor for continuous use indoors.
Pheromone fly traps
Like other insects, house flies produce chemicals called pheromones to communicate with other members of their species. The pheromones produced to attract a mate can waft considerable distances.
Synthetic versions of these chemicals are used in some traps to lure flies inside. Unlike light traps, this type of trap doesn’t also attract beneficial insects such as aphid-munching lacewings.
Which? member Nick Nicolaides with the Ericssons trap he tested
However finding somewhere suitable to hang a pheromone trap can prove tricky – particularly in small gardens. It needs to be hung well away from the house and the part of the garden you’re keen to keep fly-free – otherwise it’s likely to draw flies to these places. Also, it has to be said that most pheromone traps don’t look particularly attractive.
Last summer, Which? member Nick Nicolaides from London tried the
Ericcsons Redtop Fly Catcher (£12.99 including delivery from Ericcsons) after becoming fed up with flies coming into his kitchen and landing on his food.
The trap has a generous three-litre capacity and claims to trap flies for up to 12 weeks, at which point you simply throw it away and, if necessary, purchase a new one.
While Nick was impressed by the number of flies caught by his trap, he said he won’t be buying another one this summer: ‘It’s too big and smelly – I’d rather put up with a few flies!’
TIP: Make sure you position all insect traps down-wind of the area you’re keenest to protect
Chemical repellents and killers
The most effective way to avoid being bitten is to use a skin cream or spray repellent containing at least 30% DEET (diethyl toluamide). Test for allergic reactions with a skin patch first. Wrist and ankle bands impregnated with DEET are another option.
Our colleagues at
Which? Holiday have tested numerous mosquito repellents. They reckon devices that emit insecticides aren't as effective as creams and sprays as they disperse so readily.
Boots Repel Mosquito Coils (£4.79 for ten) burn like incense when lit, giving off a smoke containing the insecticide allethrin. Avoid using around those with respiratory problems.
Alternatively, the
Vape Portable Midge & Mosquito Repeller (£12.99 from Robert Dyas and Wilkinsons) has an insecticide vaporiser that can be used indoors and out. Do not use it near asthmatics or when eating, drinking or smoking though.
