Korean Job Discussion Forums

[berniebennybernard]

Woke up the other day to find my kitchen windows full of these flies.

I'm assuming it's because one of my roommates like to leave food garbage by the window (still a concept I don't understand).

Anyways, I killed all two dozen of them yesterday with a deadly combo of hairspray (cheap and immobilizes them) and chopsticks (to pick them up). I closed most of the windows as I noticed there were open areas to the outside (*beep*, wish I paid more attention when I first came to inspect the place).

Woke up this morning, probably caught another dozen of them.

I did some research online, and they seem to thrive where garbage is. I'm going to throw out all the boxes and shit now. I still don't really get how garbage works in Korea (at my old place, I'd just throw everything out to the curb sorted out, but apparently it's a little different in my new area).

If there's still a shit ton of them tomorrow, what do you guys suggest I do? Anyone else have had this problem in the past?

I'm thinking I might get some bug spray and just spray all the windows openings, and get some sealant or something. Anyone know where I can get that? No Home Depot here, so I'm quite lost.

Thanks.

[War Eagle]

I'm pretty sure you have fruit flies. It's not a terribly big problem. Read this article on how to kill them and prevent them from coming back. (The section on how to kill them is near the bottom. Scroll down.)

[berniebennybernard]

No, they are not fruit flies.

They are the bigger ones with shiny dark green/black bodies. Google said they're bottle flies.

Fast guys, can't get them without the spray.

But thank you for replying!

EDIT: Horrible lighting, but I hope this gives you an idea of what I'm dealing with.

[img]http://oi43.tinypic.com/2rm4o50.jpg[/img]

http://oi43.tinypic.com/2rm4o50.jpg

[War Eagle]

Maybe this article then. A little more difficult to get rid of. Will require thorough decontamination of the area + sealing entryways + pesticide.

[CentralCali]

If you can't train your roomie to quit breeding the critters, then you should get some flypaper and, once the flypaper is populated, discard it in his sleeping area. He'll get the hint...maybe.

Sounds like you need a new roomie.

[le-paul]

i always try to keep my home spotless in the summer. If you dont here, youll get all kinds crawling about in your home.

good article btw war eagle

[berniebennybernard]

Here's an update since a couple of days have passed:

I removed the food garbage from the windows. There's still one or two flying around in the balcony area that I can't seem to catch, but I don't think they're breeding inside the house.

I think they were just attracted to the food garbage, and I guess the window openings were perfect for them to fly. I think they may have laid eggs in the food garbage, but it's not my concern any more.

Definitely had a bit of a scare that I'd have to go through all that trouble in the article that War Eagle linked (which btw I thank you). Talked to my roommates to do no more of that stupid food garbage (I'm from Canada, we only garbage, recycling, and yard waste).

So yeah, problem solved! And if anyone needs a roommate in the Hongdae/Sinchon area, please give me a shout!