If you’ve recently noticed flies lingering around your roof lantern, we expect that you’re feeling frustrated and confused as to what’s causing the issue.
Roof lanterns are a great addition to the home. But they can quickly turn into a problem when you don’t know how to keep flies at bay.
Today, Tuffx will delve into the reason why you’re experiencing unwanted guests around your roof lantern and how to deter them.
Why are flies attracted to roof lanterns?
With their expansive glass surfaces and elevated positioning, roof lanterns inadvertently create an ideal environment for flies and other insects.
There are a few common reasons why these pests are doubling in your home:
- Bright light: Flies and insects are naturally drawn to light. The natural light pouring in from roof lanterns or light fixtures during the night acts like beacons for them.
- Warmth and heat: Glass roof lanterns absorb and retain heat, creating a warm environment that is inviting to flies. This is a greater cause during colder months.
- Visibility and access: The transparency of roof lanterns makes it easier for flies to locate from a distance. Small gaps around the lantern make it easy for flies to get in.
- Reflection and refraction: The glass in roof lanterns causes light to reflect and refract, creating disorienting patterns which attract flies.
- Lack of disturbance: Roof lanterns are away from movement and human activity, providing an undisturbed area for flies to congregate.
- Odours and scents: Food, perfume, and odours released from indoor plants attract flies into the home. Roof lanterns can funnel these odours upwards, causing flies to follow.
The impact of flies near your roof lantern
Now that we know the reason why flies are attracted to roof lanterns, it’s time to dive into the impact this has on your home.
You may have experienced a few of these yourself:
Reduced visibility
A large crowd of flies can obstruct your view of the sky and surrounding landscape. This is especially frustrating if you installed a roof lantern for this purpose.
Unappealing environment
Regular flies in your home are not an attractive sight. This can disturb the overall aesthetics of your home, making it appear unclean.
Hygiene concerns
Flies carry harmful bacteria and diseases. This creates a health risk when they accumulate near food and contaminate surfaces in your home. Flies can also affect respiratory issues or allergies.
Noisy disturbances
The constant buzzing sound of flies can distract and disrupt the atmosphere in your home, especially when you’re trying to work or relax.
Damage and dirt
Flies may damage the roof lantern in their quest for light and warmth. This may include marks on the glass or damage to the sealing and framing of your window.
8 ways to prevent flies around your roof lantern
1. Regular cleaning
Keep the area around your roof lantern clean to prevent flies. Regularly remove any debris, grime build-up, dead insects, or organic matter that may attract flies.
Clean the glass to remove any odours and contaminants.
2. Use fly screens
Fly screens or mesh covers act as a physical barrier, preventing flies from entering the home whilst allowing fresh air to get in.
These can be customed to fit various skylights and they don’t obstruct your view. This also deters other pests like mosquitoes, bees, wasps, and spiders.
3. Natural repellents
Essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, peppermint, and lemongrass are effective in repelling flies. Mix a few drops of natural oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it to the area regularly.
Plants such as marigolds, basil, lavender, and mint can also be placed in the home to deter flies. Use citronella candles or torches around the roof lantern area to mask odours that attract flies.
4. Proper ventilation
Stagnant air attracts flies. To avoid this, leave your windows and vents open or use mechanical ventilation systems.
This will help control humidity levels, reducing the likelihood of a moist environment that flies find attractive. You could also place ceiling fans or extractors near the skylight to prevent flies from settling.
5. Seal any gaps and cracks
Inspect the area around the roof lantern for gaps or cracks in the sealing. Seal them with appropriate sealants or weatherstripping to prevent flies from entering.
Common sealants include silicone, caulk, or expanding foam.
6. Keep food covered
Keeping your food covered can prevent flies from contaminating it with bacteria and pathogens. This also makes them less likely to spill, reducing the amount of food debris in the area.
Invest in food covers or mesh domes and store leftovers in airtight containers.
7. Minimise light at night
Roof lantern lights are a great way to highlight this feature during the night. However, artificial light can confuse a flies navigation system, causing them to linger around the source.
Turn off any lights before you go to bed, or invest in motion sensors to only provide illumination when you’re in the room. You could also opt for yellow or amber bulbs, which are less attractive to flies.
8. Clean outdoor drains and gutters
Drains and gutters collect stagnant water and organic debris, creating the ideal breeding environment for flies.
Regularly Cleaning them will prevent larvae and flies from lingering around your home.
Choose Tuffx for Your Roof Lanterns
At Tuffx, we sell a wide range of high-quality roof lanterns, adding style and efficiency to your home.
Not only do they make your home more light and airy, but they can make the space appear larger and help you save on your energy bills annually.
Invest in a roof lantern today to enhance the appearance of your home. Browse our commercial and residential fittings to get started on your renovation.