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What to do with overwhelming population of caddisflies? #874602

Asked June 25, 2024, 10:54 AM EDT

my lake house is covered by, what I believe to be, caddisflies. Opening the screen door creates a cloud of bugs to pass through. Is there anything I can do to reduce their population?

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Caddisflies live only a few days after they hatch, so hopefully this problem will be short-lived. They’re attracted to light so at night you may want to pull curtains or switch off outside lights when people are going in and out.

See this page:

https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/article/2012/5-16/caddisflies.html

Here are other suggestions I found on the web:

  • Replace white light bulbs with yellow lights that attract fewer insects
  • Caddisflies seek shade, so they are attracted to vegetation in your yard and to your patio; reduce the amount of vegetation near your home and consider screening your patio
  • Caddisflies are not strong fliers, so a fan on a “high” setting may keep them away from certain areas
  • Bug zappers may attract caddisflies away from "sitting areas," but may also attract more caddisflies to your yard.

  • Hope this helps. Good luck.
MJ Replied June 25, 2024, 11:11 PM EDT

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