What to do if sandflies appear in the house?

What to do if sandflies appear in the house?

If you find sandflies in your home, don't panic. Follow these systematic steps. Sandflies are weak fliers, making them easier to deal with indoors than mosquitoes:

Step 1: Cut off entry routes

1. Check all screens for damage or gaps; repair or replace them promptly.
2. Ensure doors and windows are closed tightly; check for excessive gaps under doors.
3. Pay special attention to overlooked entry points like air conditioner pipe holes and exhaust fan openings.

Step 2: Residual spraying (most effective)

Sandflies are poor fliers and prefer to rest on walls—this is the best opportunity to kill them:

4. Apply household hygiene insecticide spray containing deltamethrin evenly on interior walls, corners, baseboards, behind curtains, and around door frames.
5. Once dry, the insecticide forms an odorless film. Sandflies die upon contact with this treated surface.
6. One application is effective for about 2-4 weeks, continuously killing sandflies that enter.
7. Avoid spraying near food, utensils, or drinking water. Wait for the spray to dry completely before resuming normal activities.

Step 3: Environmental management

5. Declutter—organize items in rooms, especially under beds and behind cabinets, to reduce hiding places.
6. Dim lights—keep evening lights dim and close curtains to reduce attraction (sandflies are phototactic).
7. Increase ventilation—use fans or create cross-ventilation; their weak flight is disrupted by wind.

Step 4: Personal protection

4. Check bedrooms for sandflies before sleeping.
5. Use fine-mesh nets for infants and young children.
6. Minimize opening doors and windows between dinner and bedtime.