Flies

[AdrianPetts]

I have just removed my mainsail to find thousands of hibernating flies in it. Does anyone have a remedy for removing the stain left by squashed flies from the sail canvass?

 

[sarabande]

Cluster flies: they breed in the bodies of earthworms.

Probably needs an enzyme based detergent to get rid of the organic material. These work best in warm water, which may be a problem at present. Detergents are not good to allow into watercourses BTW.

Is it real vegetable canvas, or a man made fibre ?

 

[KINGFISHER 9]

Get a chameleon.

 

[[32511]]

Don't bother with flies. Wear a kilt.

 

[Cerddinen]

Better still (having suffered a second successive year of fly infestation), does anyone have a good idea for stopping the flies from lodging in the sail cover? Obviously, I could remove the sail and cover earlier in the Autumn ...

 

[sarabande]

You need some form of non-staining pheremome control.

Try an orange with lots of cloves stuck in it inside a plastic box with lots of skewer holes in it.

Or if you have access to a horse supplies shop, some citronella oil in a similarly constructed box. Ciotronella oil does really persist, so don't spill it on the sail fabric.


EDIT
SWMBO has just suggested sandalwood - perhaps as in a bar of smelly soap ? Apparently it keeps moths away from wardbrobes. !

 

[snowleopard]

As a preventative measure, go sailing in autumn.

If you find a way to remove the stains, please let me know, my main is a mess.

 

[awol]

Better still (having suffered a second successive year of fly infestation), does anyone have a good idea for stopping the flies from lodging in the sail cover? Obviously, I could remove the sail and cover earlier in the Autumn ...

Use the sails more often?

 

[NormanS]

Yes, either take the sails off at the end of your season, or if you're still sailing, --- sail more often.