Help, Small bug infestation, STT, USVI

[blue_dream]

Hello,

We have these pesky small black bugs which I cannot seem to get rid of. Upon inspection I believe they are fungus gnats. We are located in a marina in St. Thomas USVI and keep windows closed and A/C on usually.

The boat is a Jeanneau 54DS, and I believe they could be coming from the heads, drains, or bilge?

Has anyone had this problem before and know of a solution? I keep battling them with traps, dust buster etc but they keep coming back

I will post a photo of one I caught.

Any and all help is appreciated.

[blue_dream]

or it seems they could be Phorid flies

[letsgetsailing3]

Two words: bug bomb.

[tkeithlu]

Yes. Remove food and pets, close up the boat, start probably two house type bug bombs, and leave it closed up long enough for the insecticide to get into every crack. Air it out.

[gamayun]

The following habitat info might help in looking for potential sources of food of these flies....I'm thinking maybe you have a leak from the holding tank or rotten wood somewhere? There's gotta be some respect for "ant-decapitating" flies.

The way of life of most species is unknown. A few common, synanthropic species, especially*Megaselia scalaris, Dohrniphora cornuta, Megaselia rufipes, and*Puliciphora borinquenensis, live in almost any type of decaying organic material. Larvae of*D. cornuta*often build up to huge populations when sewer pipes break and nutrient-rich water soaks into the soil; adults emerge in swarms through drain pipes in affected houses. The most commonly noticed species of phorid is*M. scalaris, which is found in a number of filth-fly situations, and also infests nearly every type of invertebrate and small vertebrate cultures, such as insect zoos, tarantulas, lizards, snakes, hermit crabs, etc.

Most species, however, are probably specialized scavengers, predators, parasitoids, and even true parasites. Many*Megaselia*species are found in fungi, some feeding on the fungus (including a few commercially important pests), others probably feeding on sciarid larvae. Many species are found in buried carrion, away from competition from blow flies and other agressive species. One such species, the coffin fly, is found commonly on buried human bodies. Small invertebrate carrion, such as snails, slug, and dead insects, are also breeding sites for phorids. Species of the genus*Anevrina*are found in the burrows of mammals, probably as scavengers.

Many species are associated with ants, as commensals in ant nests or as parasitoids. The largest group of ant-parasitoids,*Apocephalus, are known as ant-decapitating flies because they develop inside the ant's head, and some species cause the ant's head to fall off, sometimes before the rest of the body stops moving. Most North American*Apocephalus*attack ants in the genera*Camponotus*and*Pheidole, but other hosts are used here and elsewhere. Another ant-parasitoid genus is*Pseudacteon, whose South American species are being used in attempts to biologically control imported fire ants (since the native*Pseudacteon*are not doing the job!).

[Siberian Sea]

When I was at St Thomas I discovered cockroaches so I walked up to the Grocery store and bought a three pack of bug bombs. I removed all drawers from cabinets, cushions placed on deck, and all clothing from closet. Then followed instructions on bomb and the problem was solved. They kill all insect species

[Moontide]

Also in STT. Sounds like a different bug but we had a small hardback bugs that were getting into pretty much every dry goods container, even zip lock bags, plastic pasta bags, etc.. Becky read about using Bay Leaves. Puts a little bit in each container, or in a zip lock with multiple items, and problem solved.

[Tom_F]

Could they be drain flies? Good chance if you think they are coming from the drain. Described as "Measuring in at just 2 to 5 millimeters (about one-eighth of an inch), drain flies are pesky insects that tend to congregate around standing water. Also known as moth flies, sewer flies, and filter flies, they are gray or taupe in color, with small, rounded wings."

The recommended cure I've seen is:

Clean the sink with your usual cleaning solution, and use a pipe brush to scrub around and inside the drain. The simplest fix could be as easy as boiling water—boil a medium-size pot once or twice per week, and pour down the drain. Another option involves baking soda: Combine a 1/2 cup of salt with 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar, and pour down the drain. Leave overnight, and pour boiling water in the morning.

[dennismenace111]

Run one small fan to circulate the poison in the cabin while it's closed up! It will be more effective that way!

[PLANET EXPRESS]

2nd boiling water down shower drains. You could put some sticky tape over your drains between uses. And go back take tape off see if any come out or stuck to tape.

[sailcrazy]

Second the bug bomb posting. We're, also, in STT.....and have an ongoing issue with cockroaches. We've "bombed " the boat 2x, and still find dead cockroaches after a few days each time we do. Where there's 1, there are likely more!

[PLANET EXPRESS]

Open all your compartments and put a squirt of boric acid along the back and in corner. It works great for roaches. Bombing is not long lasting you will have to keep bombing each hatching. Choose something that’s residual. A home pest control spray in the back and corners is better than a bomb.