small flying insects in our boat

[vpbarkley]

Hi,

Annoyingly, we have small, flying insects in our boat. We're located in Fort Lauderdale. I smash about 20 each day; my hands are getting sore.

Like moths they leave a dusting of pollen when flattened. Their wing shape resembles those of flies. But these insects are smaller and slower than flies.

When I see them outside in the sunlight they appear to be albino. In any event I don't think I can photograph them. They are too small and fleeting.

The most likely place they are entering is via the companionway door louvers. I'll cover the louvers with screen material.

But, invariably some will get in each day. I want to eliminate those and any who've taken up residence in the boat.

Any recommendations as to a product for this problem? I'd prefer something I can purchase locally (Ace, Lowes, Home Depot).

If the simple solution doesn't work I would consider hiring an exterminator.

Thank you

[Tomodore]

Check with other local boaters. Insects are a fact of life unless you are ice boating. If they aren't biting and aren't eating the wood on the boat it still can be annoying. Strike up some conversations with fellow dock or anchor mates and see how they cope.

[LittleWing77]

Originally Posted by Tomodore

Check with other local boaters. Insects are a fact of life unless you are ice boating. If they aren't biting and aren't eating the wood on the boat it still can be annoying. Strike up some conversations with fellow dock or anchor mates and see how they cope.

I think this is a brilliant suggestion.

Up here in Ontario, we have spiders that seem to move in and take over ones topsides as soon as the boat is put to bed for the weekend...

There's a very effective spray we all know about, which is touted frequently, should anyone begin a whinge about getting rid of those damn spiders...!

I'll just bet it's the same where you are, VP, and your dockmates will have the key pest-control elixir.

Good luck,
LittleWing77

[sailorboy1]

They sound like tiny moths

But seem nothing compared to the invisible flying teeth bugs that you only know visited you the next day

[s/v Jedi]

Exterminator? Just set off a fogger (bug bomb), leave the boat closed for a couple hours then ventilate.

That said, this is only workable if you can keep them out afterwards. What you have sounds like some form of no-see-ums that are hard to keep out. We kill them with these bug-zap-rackets.

[Simi 60]

Moths?
Get a cat - ours loves them.

Invisible flying teeth bugs?
Pull up anchor and choose a better spot.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

Exterminator? Just set off a fogger (bug bomb), leave the boat closed for a couple hours then ventilate.

That said, this is only workable if you can keep them out afterwards. What you have sounds like some form of no-see-ums that are hard to keep out. We kill them with these bug-zap-rackets.

Yeah those are brilliant Jedi.. this last year or so, started around the time Covid appeared, we have been getting moth like bugs in the apartment..
Bought one of those rackets at the Chinese shop down the road.. it has not stopped the invasion but the loud 'Crack' and crackle after is very satisfying...

[DMF Sailing]

Make sure your little buddies aren't being attracted to some source of food with sugar in it that you leave out—bananas are a good candidate.

Also, if you feel like committing mass murder, try putting out a glass of red wine overnight and see if there's a few of them buggers floating around in the a.m.

They get attracted by the smell and, like so many of us, once in their cups end up pickled.

[PLANET EXPRESS]

They could be drain flys from your shower drain you can put some duct tape over the drains and check it after several hours to see if they are stuck to it. That will show you where they may be coming from then you can treat them. If they are coming from drain some very hot water will kill the eggs.

[Stewie12]

Could they be pantry moths ? Worth looking it up.

[Sailor647]

Originally Posted by Simi 60

Moths? Get a cat - ours loves them.

Trade little flying bugs for fleas and cat hair? No thanks. lolol

[vpbarkley]

I had to look up pantry moths. We don't have those.

I'll try taping the shower drain to see if they are coming from there.

I appreciate all your input. Thank you.

[KadeyKrogen38]

Pantry pests. They come in with your groceries. They can be very stubborn to get rid of as they multiply rapidly. I got rid my washing everything inside of cabinets and then used a sticky triangle shaped tee pee thing that had a scent to attract them and a sticky surface that trapped them. Took a while but finally got rid of them.

[BugzyCan]

We used to buy bulk food from the grocery store, the kind where you scoop as much as you want into plastic bags. One time we opened the kitchen cabinet and it was full of caterpillars, which then hatched into moths, and it took months to get rid of them. We don't buy bulk food anymore.
If your boat happens to be anchored in a spot where these moths live, then an exterminator is a waste of time, or short term at best. Best fix is to find a new place to anchor.

[KenKo]

If it's a really old boat, you can try setting it on fire to get rid of them......