Hi all, I’ve been lurking for awhile but have managed to figure out most of my building problems without having to bother you all with stupid questions, That said the current problem is so gross and weird that I can think of no where to turn but to your inspired selves.
(If you want to skip the background, the weird fly problem starts at the paragraph called, interestingly enough, “Weird fly problem”)
(unsure if appropriate or anyone cares I omitted a somewhat funny account of the remodel that kept getting bigger and bigger and bigger…promise no whining but a little bragging at the very end. Please advise whether I should revise and include)
Weird fly problem? I finished a large crawl space to make a workshop under my house. Grade, vap. barrier, slab, elec. etc approved by inspector. one wall still not finished so workshop open to non vapor barriered area under house. No moisture problems either before onset of rainy season or since. Anyway about two days ago I started noticeing flies, many many flies. Dull gray, extremely slow moving they seem to be dropping out of the air like well, err, like flies. (sorry) Have thoroughly searched for signs of nasty dead stuff , feces, or other stuff flies like, have found nothing so far. What the heck could be causing them to appear and what in the holy heck is causing them to coat my shop floor and workbench with their lifeless bodies. I mean I have to completely vacuum all surfaces every couple of hours? I suspect since we have had a couple of warm days the came out of hibernation(?) then as cool down they sought new place to hibernate and my as yet unsealed workshop was just what the doctor ordered. (For them not me) could this theory be possible? Any suggestions? If this is not the correct place for this post I apologize in advance.
Replies
They find warm places to hide when it starts to get cold and hide anywhere and everywhere. I had problems with ladybugs like that. Had to fog twice to get rid of them. Enough bugs to completely cover a couple windows so you couldn't see daylight. Found them packed into exterior electrical boxes, too. Had to fog two years in a row, but they have not been back for a couple years since. Still see one flying around occasionally, but not like it was. Probably swept out a 5 gallon bucket of them the first time it happened.
Oh man did you toss out a passel of money.
Lady bugs are a valuable commodity...
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
Wrong kind..the ladybugs like we all had were not the "good" ones fer the garden. These were some kind of asian critters that actually bite. If Bob is anywhere near where I was in N.C., I pity him..they would swarm on warm days and cover everything that had sunshine. Oh yeah and honey bees can fill the walls and cielings with ...fuggin HONEY...had a cieling bow down, thought is was wet..poked a hole and got fuggin honey.
Yep, these are the nasty asian ones and they do bite a little. In the fall when it starts to get cold, you find whole south-facing walls covered with them. Millions and billions of them. Any little holes in the building and they come inside for winter. In the spring you find the whole building covered with them inside.
I was outside sprayin Lac. on a bed..sprayed a batch of them..hate em. They love fresh finish so much, I thought I'd let em have a drink or two..did I mention I hate em?
Where are you located? I was in WNC. at 4000' and they even go up higher..
---"...Lady bugs are a valuable commodity... "---
Exactly $14.95 a carton, with 500+ guaranteed in each one.
Predatory wasps are even more expensive but work best on flies.
used to see a lot of flies like that in Vermont.. hibernating for the winter.. but not quite in the numbers you are talking
Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
They're called cluster flies. Google that term and you can learn more than you want to know about them.
Excellence is its own reward!
that's them....i knew one of you hard winter guys would get it right ...
they aren't real big this far south... hah, hah, hahMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
LOL
Down your way they're called bluster flies, right?
Down south they are musty flies
And in DC, they're known as lobbyists.
Excellence is its own reward!
Side Bar ;
We in the south have Lady Bugs and honey bees . At least here we do in great numbers.
I bought an old house for a cabin and Im restoring it. [patching it up might be a better phrase] I found litterally millions under the floor and behind every board . You can actually hear them . Sitting out side we are pestered by honey bees in numbers that make all the flies look like small platoons to a great army. DW really freaks out trying to deal with them landing on her . Both are really harmless . The bees and the bugs that is. Down in South Arkansas they have king size mositoes that sound like incomming helicopters . They sting like beesand do so when ever they land on some one . I guess every body might have their big pests.
Tim Mooney
What area of the country? I assume your not in Australia, but it sounds like it.
Picture of fly for ID reasons?
if you put a temp sheet of poly over the non vap. barrier side do the flies stop?
Christmas is coming..... should I buy the wife that new tablesaw ....hmmmm
Thanks All, by now I have pretty much guessed that they are the dreaded cluster fly, not sure what to do but will try to finish wall asap, then go from there. ps sent a brief account (mostly bragging as it turns out to tish about my project, what can i say, the only thing my wife ever says is aren't you done yet? I ask god the same thing every morning, right before I find another problem to fix.) If I should just shut up, just say the word, I will I promise. In any case the ignore button is not far off, I will understand. Thanks for the helpfull advice. I will return the favor if I can.
Sorry, need to be more specific I guess, I live in Northern California.
Oh, oh. SwartzenFlugels. Could be a tough one. I'd fill the crawlspace with molten steel. That should slow them down. Either that or have a couple attorneys knock on the front door. They should swarm out the back in a hurry.
well golly bob, are you trying to be cute or are you just an ####?
guess I cannot say #### so just insert the syn. for donkey where the blacked out letters are.edit no.2. sorry I am new at all this so I am a little slow. I am a little confused, considering your response an hour ago (which was hlepfull) I do not know how to take this last. Also it does not make much sense given the context. By the way your suggestion concerning attorneys does not seem efficacious (it does not work) you see I happen to be an attorney and they still will not leave.
Edited 12/19/2003 8:14:49 AM ET by constructioergosum
Edited 12/19/2003 8:22:02 AM ET by constructioergosum
uh.. oh...
a THIN-skinned attorney amongst all these sensitive construction guys and gals..
what's a body to do ?Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Mike - Where were you in VT? I lived east of Burlington for 18 years .... lots of cluster flies ... no big deal, though ... I was assured they were nectar-eating, no need to hunt for rotting flesh ... Bill.
bill... one of my friends moved to Waitsfield in the early '70's..
haven't been back in about 20 years... never get much further north than southern NH theses daysMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
There's the answer to why the congregation of flies.
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
If you can't take or appreciate a joke, this is not the forum for you. It makes perfect sense in light of the "conan the governor" situation, although maybe you never saw any of the movies. You said "california", so it was an obvious shot. If I didn't say it, somebody else would have. My previous post has as much helpful information as you'll get anywhere. Spray something that kills flies. You can stop reading there.
I stand apropriately chastised, please accept my sincere apologies. I assure you I can certainly take a joke and am not usually so thin skinned. I guess being around lawyers all day just makes me edgy and ready for a fight. Ironic, no? Personally, I can't stand em, which is probably why I have been remodeling my house for the last three months or so, maybe the slime will start to come off in a few more months.
Not to belabor the issue, but I honestly did not catch the reference to the acting govenor of this whacky state, have re-read original msg and only thing close seems to be "Swartzenflugels" If thats the joke then it went right over my head sorry.
As to the resident imposter in chief ( oh man am I ever going to regret bringing up politics), there are a few things that I thaught I could count on.
1 There is no crying in baseball.
2 there are no do overs in politics?
well apparently those things are not as true as I believed.
I california you can pay a bunch of idiots who haven't voted ever in there lives, to stand in front of K-Mart and get another bunch of loosers who have never voted either, to sign a petition to recall the fairly elected govenor of the state. They didn't even try to assert that he did anything criminal they just blamed him for everything from ... well just everything. I did not vote for him the first time, but did the second on principle. I was determined to vote for the Sumo Wrestler but at the last minute was pissed off by the audacity of T2 and friends you do not recall a sitting govenor mid term just because you do not like his politics. One of the great things about this country was supposed to be that when our guy did not win we took it on the chin and waited for the next election. Hey I guess there is one more thing I can't count on.
As for arnold, you got to hand it to a guy who gets elected on a platform demanding fiscal responsibility who gets elected and the first thing he does is say"Ok, first we borrow 15 billion then we cut taxes" some plan. The only thing that suprised me was that the tofu eating chuckle heads in our ligislature did not die laughing before they told arnie to try to think of something better.
Oh well there, it is done and I humbly await the just thrashing that I know is coming. I just want to point out, sort of a defense, I did not bring up the subject, I only ran away with it. If this is not appropriate I won't do it again.
In conclusion, to Bob, again I apologize. To the idiots who supported the recall, go do something anatomically impossible to yourselves many times.
ok just give me time for a last cigarette then fire away.
thin skinned counselors are the best kind... you can't have much fun with the thick-skinned ones
welcome to the tavern.... uh.... i think it's your turn to buyMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
belly up old son, drinks are on me. let the games begin!
Welcome to the forum.
A thick skin is a blessing.
Don't apologise too much.
CRS is good. In one thread someone will call you a doofuss. In another they will back you up.
Someone here will take a dislike to you and remember everything you have ever said. Ignore them and only they will look moronic.
If you suggest a technique and half the responder jump in your case, you are doing something right. If everybody says your an idiot, listen to them.
Your opion is valid, please feel free to call us doofusses.
This is not a courtroom.
This is not a courtroom.
This is not a courtroom.
This is not a courtroom.
SamT
Hey Mike ...
what the big problem with this Q ...
an attorney that's attracting too many flies ...
I see them swarming other similar materials all the time!
Ahh ...ha hah ha .....
JeffBuck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
Hey Buck, I am on my way to Pitt. PA tomorow at noon. Keep the lights on for me.
flying to Pgh?
What'd ya do ..... lose a bet!
If I didn;t have the day/nite already planned ... I'd say look me up and I'd buy ya a beer ...
but the wife's making this Sat my b-day ... 21st being the actual.
If yer gonna be around the following week ... I'm keeping my helper busy by tile-ing my bath floor ... then some trim work ... will offer OJT from a "published" FHb'er for cheap?
I'm in the book.
Jeff
here's my fav lawyer joke .... as told to me from one of Pgh's best ...now retired ... lawyers ... What do ya call a lawyer up to his neck in sh!t?
Not enough sh!t!
You coming in for a worker's comp case? His name may still be on the building of the firm yer up against.
Buck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
Happy Birthday, will be in pit till around new years, though my skills (as a builder) are negligible I would welcome instruction from anyone whos sign off is Artistry in Carpentry. I wanted to get a look at Falling Water is it a day trip from pit or should I try to see it when I have more time? As to the business of building, I have a cheap knock off of a #4 Stanley Smooth plane, I have managed to true the base and have tought the frog how and where to jump but the blade and cap iron are hopeless. Can I buy stanley substitute parts or should I spring for the $42.00 bucks for a new stanley? (don't forget about student loans, mephistopheles had it easy)
Fallingwater's an easy daytrip from the city. Just call ahead to see when they're open .... I think they shut down around the holidays ... not sure though.
There's only 2 JB's in the book ... I'm city center ... in Mount Washington.(the overlook/view area)
I'll be here till new yrs too ... gimme a buzz... leave the message on the Buck Const side of the machine ... or email me thru the taunton system ...
former clerk of courts is my dad's best friend ... maybe I can set ya up!
Jeff
Buck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
Buck, just returned from pgh, sorry i did not get a chance to look you up. Went to falling Water, WOW. Unbelievable, built in 1937, FLW was ahead of his time, makes me wish I was an architect.
You'll find a lot of people here with a lot of wit, and some with only half as much. But, you can generally find a partly plausible actual answer buried within the pile. Just like in law, you can get free answers or you can get good answers. If you ask a dumb question here you may get really slammed. Ask a really hard technical question and they'll tell you to hire an engineer and you still get slammed. You'll also be surprised about the general level of expertise here. When you do get an entirely straight answer, its pretty good. I am not entirely unfamiliar with a wide variety of assorted epithets which are generally thrown at me on a daily if not hourly basis. Doesn't bother me a bit. Construction is generally not a field where one takes tea with an upraised pinkie.
So far as actors as politicians, I'm in favor. I would much rather have somebody who is just acting like a politician than somebody who really IS a politician
problem is arnie doesn't seem to think he is still just acting. He seems to think that fooling almost half the people qualifies him to tell the rest of us what to do. He seems to lack appreciation for Honest Abe-You can fool Some of the people all the time...etc. All due respect to his ability to amass a personal fortune, but the guy who invented the "Pet Rock" did that, as a matter of fact so did freako Michael Jackson. Just look at the all too numerous examples of morons who one way or another managed (man I wish I was that kind of a moron, unfortunately I seem to be a diffetent kind of moron) to accumulate wealth. Next thing you know we will hand the country over to the dim drunk draft dodging son of a Texas oilman, oops, to late (by the way I did my time for god and country, Desert Storm, Part 1, where was our fearless leader during his time to serve? Apparently AWOL from the Texas Air National Guard. Side note : What the hell is the Texas Air National Guard supposed to protect us from anyway? I know the "Combined Forces of Mexico" Yea I did see "Red Dawn". Come on, we all know it is just a rich boys get out of war card paid for by the same suckers who pay for more executions than anyone and still have a higher crime rate than the rest of us. Oops there I go again...where the heck is that #20 biscuit I need to get back to something meaningfull.
P.S. Just succesfully tuned my #4 Plane for the first time, got so carried away testing the Iron that I have almost no hair left on my left arm (you know testing sharpness by seeing if it will shave hair off). It looks really silly.
lots a laffs on the PS...my wife HATES IT when I do that (on MY arm , not hers)..says it is gross to shave there..like her arm pits are not?
Welcome , have fun. (insert snide lawyer joke here)..
LOL, at the joke I inserted, thanks for the welcome.
constructioergosum,
Welcome to the forum. As you've already discovered, it helps if you're ready and willing to laugh at yourself.
You made a couple of mentions of the story about your project. I encourage you to post it. Start a new thread and be prepared for anything....
You may get slammed.
You may get laughed at.
You may get sympathy.
You may start a great thread on a subject as yet unknown and we all might learn something.
You may do all of the above.
Rich Beckman
Another day, another tool.
Next thing you know we will hand the country over to the dim drunk draft dodging son of a Texas oilman, oops, to late
Ohhh Yeah?....Another Bush basher huh?............I'll be looking for you in the tavern.......... check your gun........and apologies at the door.........prepare yourself for a good old no-holds-barred fist fight..................California lawyers are sissys!
There are fast carpenters who care..... there are slow carpenters who care more.....there are half fast carpenters who could care less......
Sorry man there are not enough days in the week or hours in a day to bash bush properly (double entendre ?). I have no desire to bang my head against the brick wall that is supporting the pretender to the throne. While I am willing to discuss the matter with Builders I don't have time for politico wonks. If you are not one WFC (hint W=Who, C=Cares) Before you respond with selfrighteous indignation, be advised I answered my country's call, more than once. Niether Bush lite (props to his pops) nor Dick (how can I make more money off the blood of american boys)Chaney nor any other senior republican say the same. Rumsfeld didn't go. Ashcroft didn't go. Baker didn't go. Gingricth didn't go. Hell that drug addict rush limp paw did not go. Hell the only stand up guy is Powell and even he hasn' t declared for the Rep's. Bet his next ballot will have a real soldiers name on it and its spelled GENERAL CLARK. I guess you figured out you hit a nerve, get over it. Another american boy just died so Halliburton could steal more tax dollars. I await your response with baited breath (whatever that means). Gosh i almost feel like telling you to meet me in the parking lot after sixth period. but only almost. not LOL or TIC
While I am willing to discuss the matter with Builders I don't have time for politico wonks. If you are not one WFC (hint W=Who, C=Cares) Before you respond with selfrighteous indignation, be advised I answered my country's call, more than once.
Haa.....are we having a pizzing contest here? Ok.........I've been physically building houses for 30 years...........I spent two years overseas in the airborne infantry during the 60's......am I worthy to discuss and defend?
As I recall every rich kid in the country was on some kind of differment.....kids were running to Canada/Sweden and the rich ones like Gore just did a PR stint in Vietnam. ...........Very few, if any ever made into it an infantry unit.................so why bash Bush on that issue? I don't.
Gosh i almost feel like telling you to meet me in the parking lot after sixth period.
For the record...this is fun and games.......parking lots are out...........I prefer the close quarters combat of a tavern anyway.....................seriousness is a disease.There are fast carpenters who care..... there are slow carpenters who care more.....there are half fast carpenters who could care less......
Again I stand corrected, man this is getting to be a habit. I sometimes take myself to seriously, I am working on it though. Just so you know (JSYK (?)) I feel the same about gore as I do about the rest of those hypocrits. Notice how in reference to the next election I subtly (sp) mentioned GENERAL CLARK? I do not have a litmus test for politicians, I really do not care if they served or not. As a point of fact I truley admire those brave individuals who decided for ethical reasons not to kill people for no gosh darn reason. As a matter of fact I think the last time we had a reason was WWII. But what really gets my goat is #@###@# who beat the war drums when they were deaf to them. I did my bit, for what it is worth I am not proud of it, nor do I think I did what was right. The point is it was my turn at bat and I stepped up, unlike the sorry #$#$###$$$'s (REP AND DEM) who chickened out not on moral grounds but because the truely believe themselves to be the chosen. That we are here to serve them. They don't have to fight, all the think they shpould have to do is wreap the benefits of the labor of the little people. Just to be clear I do not single out Republicans my FURY is directed at ALL HYPOCRITS. When Colon Powell supports the war effort, while I disagree, I respect his right to an opinion. Likewise when a former draft dodger objects or supports I respect that as well. But when pasty faced loafer wearing yaley's .....I guess you know where I was going with that.
Change of subject. 60's, Airborne, Overseas =173rd Airborne Vietnam (?) if so hats off to you the third herd was one tough outfit.
I was an eighty deuce man myself then bounced to 101st for a stroll in the desert.
Airborne , All the way (my quota fer jingoistic stuff is used up for about a week)
Change of subject. 60's, Airborne, Overseas =173rd Airborne Vietnam (?) if so hats off to you the third herd was one tough outfit.
I was an eighty deuce man myself then bounced to 101st for a stroll in the desert.
Airborne , All the way (my quota fer jingoistic stuff is used up for about a week)
Hey man..............the fights over.......me and you is brothers. I don't give a damn what you say! ......some things are more important................Bush is a butthead. They're ALL a bunch of hippocratical buttheads.
Welcome aboard......you get a free pass from me from now on There are fast carpenters who care..... there are slow carpenters who care more.....there are half fast carpenters who could care less......
Same to ya bro, just say what is in your heart, whatever it may be, don't let THEM guide your thoughts.
Man weren't those the days, we did more stupid stuff before 9am than most folks do all year, 82nd AA,(the most phyisically fit alcoholics in the world)
Can't you just here it :
Ten minutes
Get Ready
Stand up
Hook up
Shuffle to the door
and if you are really lucky "Stand in the door position!"
Get ready
Green light goooooo.
Knees in breeze, assume a tight body position and count
one thousand ...two thousand...
3,4,5, ship please open...
lower jumper has the right of way, slip right to avoid colloision, lower equipment
feet and knees together
LAND
Balls of the feet, calves, thighs, buttocks, and push up muscle (usually feet #### head)
man honest bro I haven't thought about that stuff in over a decade, lost two of the best and brightest in the storm, one there one "cleaning" his weapon after we got back...gonna look you up when i get back from PA. oh schit, remember this "Look STRAC, and Enter" what about City week at RIP and the green monster at JTC, isn't it fun to run with sharks? really gotta go Huaa!
Edited 12/20/2003 9:53:02 AM ET by constructioergosum
just say what is in your heart,
I will, don't worry...........just being nice
Man weren't those the days,
Yeah, they were.........I was an original member of the 173rd at that time (63) ........we were stationed on Okinawa and traveling the Pacific Rim from Korea to Thialand as a so called strike force. training in earnest for the deployment to Vietnam. I was an FO...................but was gone in 65..................
The 173rd made the nite jump in northern Iraq..........then disappeared........know what happened to them? There are fast carpenters who care..... there are slow carpenters who care more.....there are half fast carpenters who could care less......
hey I added a bunch of sentimental bs to previous msg check it. were FOs called PHIST PHUCKERS back then to? You guys( with a little help from PUFF and a couple of friendly Wart Hogs)pulled my butt out of it in the storm, eternal gratitude
C.E.S.,
Have you ever read Heinleins Starship Troopers? He has an interesting treatise on a different flavor of democracy in it.
Sound like something you would enjoy. I know I did/do.
9ys, 29dy, 2½hrs in Uncle Sams' Canoe Club, '69 to '78.
SamT
I was an eighty deuce man myself then bounced to 101st for a stroll in the desert
Oh lord... the Almost Airborne outfit to the Hundred and worst.
The ROCK!!. Be the HERD....
FWIW I've been in the construction trades since '57....
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
Just so you will know what kind of brambles you have stumbled into here, I am a fervent liberal and a former lawyer: there are many here who have strong feelings against me for both of those reasons
As you've already seen, there are a few here who lob mean spirited jibes, and then, when challenged, respond with with a childish "can't cha take a joke?
I will also note that there are some very thoughtful conservatives here with whom discussing a range of issues is challenging and enjoyable. (On the whole, I'd say the growing conservatism of late reflects the very deterioration in our educational system so many of them loudly complain about. {G})
It looks like you have an interesting perspective and back ground, and I hope you'll join us in the tavern section of the FHB forum.
_______________________
Tool Donations Sought
I'm matching tool donors to a church mission to Haiti - we're shipping a bus converted to a medical facility in January (we hope) and can fill it with clothes, tools and all sorts of stuff needed in that poorest of all countries. A few hand tools or power tools can provide a livelihood for an otherwise destitute family. Please email me if you have tools to donate.
Thanks to Jeff and David and Jim for their offers!
Thanks man, keep the faith. Consider leaving out the term Liberal. Labels just make it easier for the simple minded.
was that a picture of Fr. Guido Sarducci? if not apologies in advance
Edited 12/20/2003 8:56:06 AM ET by constructioergosum
Well folks like the song says "I'm leavin on a jet plain..." Gotta go to PA its been fun wish this thread could keep on going. I will hope. remember Free your mind and your #### will follow.
Hey Big Brother why was msg 82 deleted? Free market capitalism yada yada..? I know your web cite your choice. oh well.
>>Consider leaving out the term Liberal. Labels just make it easier for the simple minded.
I've thought about that, but have come to the conclusion that there are folks whose though processes are primarily guided by labels, explicit or perceived ("oh that guy's a liberal/conservative so what he thinks is ... and he's wrong") without actually reading the views expressed
Other folks are far less likely to do that, and respond to what is expressed regardless of what label is attached. Those are the folks that keep the Tavern portion of this forum such a great place, IMHO.
And I am proud of being a liberal. I find that comes as a shock to some folks who have only listened to rants from various opinionated commentators: they seem to have concluded that there is something evil about liberalism and I think it is good for them to be exposed to a real live liberal who doesn't cow to that sort of bs.
>>was that a picture of Fr. Guido Sarducci? if not apologies in advance
Yep, I have been told by many that we look a lot a like, but that theory is many years and many pounds ago -the most recent reality check on that from a BT'er says "no you don't, not even close."
_______________________
Tool Donations Sought
I'm matching tool donors to a church mission to Haiti - we're shipping a bus converted to a medical facility in January (we hope) and can fill it with clothes, tools and all sorts of stuff needed in that poorest of all countries. A few hand tools or power tools can provide a livelihood for an otherwise destitute family. Please email me if you have tools to donate.
Thanks to Jeff and David and Jim for their offers!
$315K!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i thought mine were bad for the last 3 1/2 yrs and i'm only gonna hit $90k or so with the next bill. holy sh!t. my deepest sympathies.
m
That's colective....
Fees, fines, lawyers, accountants, IRS and on and on...
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
Comedy Is a big part of this forum. I dont think there was ill will intended. He had allready given his helpfull couple of pennies. The jokes keep things light and interesting. Try not to be too sensitive.
I dont know much about cluster flies but grew up with horseflies in the barns. "Millions" is not an overstatement. We used Barn and shed spray insecticides from local ag-supply store with fair success.
If its cold in the space still. heat it up good again before you treat the area. Make sure all are up and moving well or ive seen em sleep right through it.
Good luck
Either that or have a couple attorneys knock on the front door. They should swarm out the back in a hurry.
Woldn't it be that they would swarm on the lawyers and then you you run the lawyers of and the flies would go with them..
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
Something must have died. I suggest you crawl down in the crawl space and look for that dead rat or cat. Have you used rat poison lately? The fact that the flies are slow means they have recently emerged from pupae. If you recently worked on your crawl space you may have sealed a few bats or rats from their exit. If you have an english or black walnut tree then you may have rats storing food under the house or squirrels. Rats are pros at hiding. They could be under the bathtub using the cutout hole for the drain to climb in. They also like to live in cabinet toekicks that they access through plumbing cutouts.
"you see I happen to be an attorney and they still will not leave."
you asked if there was some ungodly foul substance drawing them to your property. well, question asked and answered.
m
You guys keep saying that a little good natured teasing is to be expected, well so be it. ps when you need an attorney, and unfortunately a lot of innocent people do, I will only charge you twenty percent more than my usual fee. Ofcourse if I can talk my wife into letting me keep building (which I think is far more noble and satisfying, not that my spastic efforts can be called building) I won't be taking more clients.
"For the last 3 1/2 years attorneys have been the absolute bane of my existence. It would not be exaggerating in the least to say that if my former partner had originally gone to a competent, honest and ethical attorney- who could have set him straight about his extremely weak bargaining position- none of the horrors of the past few years would have ever happened. As it was, his counsel ended up costing his own client roughly $130,000 net, not to mention <my wife> and me about 10,000 hours of sleep plus his & hers ulcers."
this is a direct quote from an email i sent just this morning to a truly wonderful gentleman who is making every honest effort to buy my company, but who has an attorney who thinks it is his job to screw up the deal. sorry about the shot- you know the saying, "99% of lawyers give the rest a bad name" ;-)
m
hey, some of my best friends are lawyers!
In the words of our last fairly elected great white father "I feel your pain" I cannot begin to describe the shame I feel from being compared to so many members of the legal profession. Unfortunately, my profession attracts people that have an overblown sense of there own importance. All too often lawyers loose sight of the goal, the very reason we exist, to resolve the clients problem. Many are simply driven to increase there fees and unfortunately many are just incompetent ( like my spelling, good thing my secretary is good at it). I am sorry you had such a bad experience at the hands of one of the brethren, under the circumstances I will only charge you ten percent more than my normal fee. ps freebie- if the guys attorney is getting in the way there is nothing to stop you from talking directly to the buyer, agreeing to terms, then telling the lawyer to, in the immortal words of Capt. James T Kirk, "Make it so"
Without wanting to defend lawyers I should point out that it is not our job to point out our clients weak bargaining position we advise as to the law. Your former partner is the person who chose to maintain the position that he did. Attorney's are bound to keep ther clients fully informed about all aspects of their case, and while the attorney is free to decide tactics the client ultimately decides strategy. Have you heard the saying "Guns don't kill people, people do" well try this one "The other guys lawyer didn't kill me, the other guy did" .(this doesn't apply to the numerous people buried by there own attorney.)
Edited 12/19/2003 12:45:40 PM ET by constructioergosum
in the immortal words of Capt. James T Kirk, "Make it so"
Sir, Point Of Order. May it please our ad hoc, de facto "court," but those would be the imortal words of Jon Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart, "16 years with the Royal Shakespere, to plas alongside an oil silck") on the much longer running "Star Trek, The Next Generation."
Tongue firmly in cheek (with piffin screws, no less).
Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
Edited 12/19/2003 5:50:58 PM ET by CapnMac
Hey Mac, how was copper wire invented?
two lawyers fightin over a penny..
Sounds like a trivia question I don't know (or remember),
Wasn't around dyring the Bronze Age, and despite all claims to the contrary, I did not march against Hannibal in Alps.
Seem to remember something about taking extruding bar stock, which is then pulled through a draw plate unyil it hits the desired diameter. Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
Duly noted. I can't tell you how relieved I am to be finally (and gently, may I add) outed. Though a devoted if somewhat apathetic fan, I guess I can no longer deny having watched (Kirk be merciful) the new show on occasion, but I did not inhale. I will be boiled in oil before admitting to have even seen a second of that space station thing or the lost in space one. May the farce be with you. (is TIC((Tongue In Cheek)) an internet abbreviation or did I just create it? TIC
Edited 12/19/2003 6:34:48 PM ET by constructioergosum
is TIC((Tongue In Cheek)) an internet abbreviation or did I just create it?
If not, it should be.
You get credit if your envelope gets to Copy & trademark office, first, and the registered check for $25 is enclosed.
Collecting royalties would be as bad as a plague of flies, though.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
Hey All, as I sit among the mounting fly carnage, I mean I is getting pretty gross, pretty soon I am going to have to give up trying to finish this blind dove-tail and go in to explaine to my wife why I haven't even started on the huge list of chores she left me. I know I have been home all day and she left for the office at around 5am ( she is a lawyer too, bet I should not volunteer that little tidbit) and we are flying to Pittsburg PA tomorrow, but jeez she expects me to not only bring the luggage in from the garage but she also wants me to pack my own clothes! Women! BTW lawyers know the best lawyer jokes wanna here my top three? oh sh###, i think I here her coming down the driveway gotta go get the luggage
FLASH - BT Wire 2003
Gutsy new poster admits being lawyer.
Asking about millions of flies manages to attract a few more to feed.
Contrary to expectations from some, manages to survive feeding frenzy and also gets in some bites of his own.
I don't know any lawyer jokes, boo, hoo.
Do you charge for estimates??
Welcome to Breaktime.
Ralph,
My Spidey senses are tingling !!!
Something way wrong here ..................On a hill by the harbour
There's two lawyers there!
What ever you do don't use your real name.
aSTm
What a lineup of charachters we attract here at BT.
There was Smitty, the model who got disguised as a staff Sgt.
Wethead Warrior who looks like...well use your imagination.
Luka with his tin foil
Piffin just screwing around
and now here we have a pussee whupped lawyer covered up to here in flie carcasses!
( when I saw how many have responded since I got jovial about all the different kinds of flies this morning, I thought, "Oh No! What have I done now?")
PS, Anybody know the diff between the class clown and the class comedian?
.
Excellence is its own reward!
Nice one, getting around the automatic censure with the alternate spelling of pussee, a little crass though, don't you think? BTW consider using spell check, its free. (as for my own spelling see admission in earlier post)
ps keep the excellence I take cash or Amex only
Edited 12/19/2003 8:26:42 PM ET by constructioergosum
Oh OH !!! SR screws on full auto !
On a hill by the harbour
LOL
LOck and Load
( and put on you tall rubbers, it's fixing to get deep in here)
The class clown is the guy who streaks naked across the basketball court at halftime
The class comedian is the guy who talked him into it.
So some lawyers are comedians, eh?.
Excellence is its own reward!
You won't need cash in here
;)
Remember when you took your oral exam at the Bar?
That'll feel like an old friend by time you pass the Breaktime test initiation.
Pssst....
Your doing fine.
Excellence is its own reward!
Spelcheck? We got as spellczek? I dint no that. I used to have a spellchequer, but she left me. Oh! Wait! She was a spell caster. Oops.
Just pushin' to help the new guy hit 100.
SamT
This one seems appropriate:
Guy walks it lawyers office and says "Do you offer consultation services?"
Lawyer says "yes"
Guy asks "How much do you charge?"
Lawyer says "$300.00 for three questions, What's your third question?
You and I both know that TIC is short for lunitic...
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
You and I both know that TIC is short for lunitic
Keep me out of this, I'm taking a "Luka" <g>. (And I've got witnesses to prove I didn't do it.)Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
You've been Lukalized....
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
oooh, in that case i'm still only around $140k in actual out of pocket money pi$$ed down the drain- unless you start figuring in lost income from the business being dead in the water for two years, then i'm easily right up there with you and then some.
m
been Lukalized
Probably all hands might prefer the form, "opting to Luka," instead.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
Is your way like saying Luka gets the heat?
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
I will only charge you twenty percent more than my usual fee. That's the spirit CG...giv'em back a little heat...although in your case you've got a lot of improving to do...that was a little weak. Stick around and/or read more discussions...you'll find that, if someone intends to insult you, it will be painfully obvious...no one is shy here. BTW, got any good laywer jokes? And is your name a Latin word? Many of us here have trouble with English...
Do it right, or do it twice.
Start a lawyer joke thread down in the Tavern.
Then again the reason lawyers don't like lawyer jokes is because there is no such thing as a lawyer joke.
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
due to my lack of experience I will take your advice and take my lawyer jokes elsewhere. never mind the fact that I chose this forum after "lurking" in many others because I had 1-an honest question about building, and 2- having been exposed to the happy go lucky banter of what seemed to be an easy going bunch of guys who could help me kick the law fix. never mind the fact that that i put up with your petty insults, I won't bother you again. Do not mistake this retreat as an act of cowardice.I am happy to provide proof of service USASOG (United States Army Special Operations Group) as well as proof of decorations in combat during Dessert (no typo, but a pun ((I do know how to spell Desert) Payola (I mean "Storm"). I also lead an infantry unit in LA (Los Angeles not luisiana) ". BTDT. Anyway, I started this thread (which BTW seems to have earned the most comments today)to get advice about building. Most of the personal comments were helpful and attained a modicum of curtesy. I enjoyed the progression from "construction Techniques" to social commentary. I have no desire to seek out political forums, they are just filled with hacks. Instead I followed my heart and looked for builders, you know the guys (and gals)that actually make things. I want to create things as well. But apparently lawyers are not the only small minded people around. Sorry to have wasted your folks' time.
BTW Am I the only one to see the irony in a post directing lawyer jokes elswhere that contains a lawyer joke? HMMM just how smart are these builders?
Now there's a typical newbie misread of someones banter.
IMERC suggested you take the lawyer jokes to the Tavern.
It's a legitimate request because currently all the conversation has been in the Construction portion of this forum. The Tavern was created so that banter, political, religious, and other non specific trash would be separated from the knowledge sharing portion of Breaktime.
If you don't care to participate further, well, that's up to you. No one is deliberately trying to drive you away or cause you heartburn and we all like a good joke, even if the lawyer is the butt. And, as you may know, it is tough to convey humor without the visual clues we normally expect.
See you in the Tavern - or not. Bring jokes. I'll buy the first round.
The 1st thought is - HUH?
But wait - this guy is new and just doesn't know what's where.
Okay.....
Now I see Ralph got there before me.. thanks Ralph.
(see http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=37937.61 )
There is a folder reserved for all other topics. It's called the "Woodshed Tavern." It's at the bottom of the heap here.
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
Hey you got it, am a newbie and admitedly a bit slow. I will take all non relevent crap to tavern. In my defense, I originally posted a question concerning the crawlspace I converted to a wannabe workshop. The off topic remarks were only in response to some "good natured" jabs from you folks. I did not make you read the posts, and its not like the internet is short on space so I am not taking up someone elses real estate. IMHO so what if some of the posts were off topic not interested don't read. I thought that mixing in with real folks would be a nice change from the cheap shot snobby lawyers I normally deal with. Was I wrong?
I will take all non relevent crap to tavern.
I think that's why the Tavern is at the bottom. Crap flows down hill...
I originally posted a question concerning the crawlspace
Now this is where it gets good. At some point I said that we had the same problem.... ROAR!!! .... There seems to be a never ending supply of them. Yur lucky, you only have millions of them. Your question gave me answers....
I love this place...
The off topic remarks were only in response to some "good natured" jabs from you folks.
What ever you do don't feel lonely... I doupt if there is anyone here that hasn't had the same...
I did not make you read the posts
Nope... you didn't... I'm here like a lot of others for the fun and entertainment. I have BT-itis... It's contagious.. Sharing and aquireing information is only distant second...
and its not like the internet is short on space so I am not taking up someone elses real estate. IMHO so what if some of the posts were off topic not interested don't read.
Hold the phone. You read Ralph's posting. Going to the Tavern with the political flaming and lawyer bashing was only a suggestion, not a demand.
I thought that mixing in with real folks would be a nice change from the cheap shot snobby lawyers I normally deal with. Was I wrong?
Now the nice folks comment may be like holding the door open and laying out the welcome mat but what do I know...We're just a construction types.
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
Edited 12/20/2003 4:50:39 AM ET by IMERC
FYI I love lawyer jokes. I always say in this life you have to laugh or your gonna cry. Considering the profession I misspent my youth persuing I need all the laughter I can get.
Sorry I can't do it, as long as people keep posting I will keep answering. Please note I have no wish to contaminate the holy folder with tavern material. I did not start it. An old saying comes to mind "Can't stand the heat? Get the flock out of the kitchen!" I started the thread with a relavent question, while I admit, I enjoyed the seemingly good natured (if a bit coloquial) banter I did not generate it. Have enjoyed pseudo meeting all of you, but as far as I am concerned this thread is dead (did I coin a phrase) will take all my offensive material elsewhere, hope to see you all there, if not rest assured there is no love lost. But I guess I just a dumb (Syn.)burrow I cant resist responding to the rapier like wit with which I have been confronted. So in the immortal words of someone somewhere" Let the games continue, or not" If you can stand to let me have the last word it ends here. Your fate is in your own hands.
Having reviewed all posts to this thread I can safely say that all of mine were either on topic or in response to one of you guys. What do you want me to do? Take it on the chin then thank you for it? Not freakin likely. (notice i was able to leave out the exclaimation point there at the end, my doctor says i am getting much better)
Edited 12/20/2003 3:24:50 AM ET by constructioergosum
FYI I love lawyer jokes
Me too... Got a bunch of 'em
I always say in this life you have to laugh or your gonna cry
With all the lawyer dealings I've had in the last 5 years or so crying doesn't seem to help any more. So I guess laffing will have to be plan "B" 'cause there's laws out there that say I can't do "other" without paying the piper. 3 lawyers each get 40% of something, do you laff, cry or "other?" (that did happen)
Considering the profession I misspent my youth persuing I need all the laughter I can get
I'll bet that the lawyers laffed all the way to the bank. My collectve leagle bill has gone over 315k mark. So do I laff or cry?
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
Edited 12/20/2003 4:52:10 AM ET by IMERC
I told you what would happen if you posted. Hey, IMERC doesen't have any Mercenary meaning does it? If so, were you in syria in late 80's early 90's? I was with Jack Taylor's crew where were you? Not much else open for mercs back then cept afrique and they didn't pay reglar like. Knew a good crew in the FFL but who wants to learn french? If no reference to merc work was intended or mereley a subscriber to soldier of fiction, then forget we had this little Tete a Tete.
On a lighter note...I kind of like the idea of a stream of conciousness thread buried in the construction tech. folder although I am not a veteran forumer(?) seems like we can avoid the Looky loos and politicos and lawyers who take themselves to seriously and just keep it all in the family, so to speak. You know Builders (and wannabe Builders). Kinda like a secret society, like ...masons (?) oh, crap I hear pounding at the door and jack boots on the stairs, guess I crossed a li
It does but not like you think.
I retired in '81. It was time to let the children take over. My time was '66 thru the Mienhoff and other faction's era.
If you have a thread of political nature I can put the whole thread on ignore.
Feeling lucky or fiesty go jump into one of those threads or better yet start one of yur own. There are some flame war pros / junkies just waiting to get on with the feeding frenzy and do some wing clipping.
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
Now why would you want to put the whole thing on ignore? I haven't been loud crass rude or pedantic. Are you ignoring this? BTW if 82nd is Almost Airborne, what exactly is REAL airborne?
I said I then had the option to put that particular thread or those threads on ignore. Not this one.
I can only handle so much flaming and bashing before it gets to be too much and it seems to always be the same characters saying the same things on different topics. Read a couple of posts and it then comes across that you have read them all. All that chest thumping gets old. Not everybody can be judge, jury and executioner all at the same time. Bottom line is a lot of that arguing is done for sport and for no other reason.
As for the real Airborne that would be the "ROCK" or more affectionally known as the "HERD". Runner up is the 509th. All others need not apply.
Glad to hear that your flies have flown. One item I picked up on was that the flies may have moved next door if you have neighbors in close proximity. Here there is no next door. I have a monopoly on them. Hope your don't return for they sure are a nuisance.
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
Yes the flies are gone apparently.
As to the Herd. I admit the 173rd were the baddest dudes in the valley, what can I say they were not around when I was in, apparently reconstituted for the middle east. (a unit designation does not a unit make) 509th the unit Guidon was rotated back to GA from Vicenza, Italy in the 80's new unit designation 3/325 ABCT same people. So I kinda qualify as an 09er, not that I think I need to. Except for "No war 04" (504th) Airborne is as Airborne does. (to paraphrase a great soldier, TIC)
Flame wars are not my goal nor is arguing for sport I hope I can rely on you and others like you to keep me in line. I truely do not wish to sink to sophistry and demigoguery (SP?). If my posts start to seem hysterical or fanatic please reign me in, sometimes I stay up longer than I should
35 / 36 years ago was several life times ago. Never kept up with it. Stayed out of the loop for so long details are no longer part of the memories. Like leaving it that way.
The 173rd went air mobile, IIRC, and on to Rucker. I understand they are back now doing what they always did best.
The divisions / rift between units and their status was always political and not a mission statement. All that matters are what dogs you have in your kennel.
If my posts start to seem hysterical or fanatic please reign me in,
There is a cluster waiting in the wings to do just that. ROAR!!!
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
Back to the topic of construction tech, I recently visited my inlaws back east and having just finished the mother of all decks I was interested in their new deck. I know I am a novice but it seems their contractor made some interseting choices. He used 1" by 5 1/2" (actual dimension) (is this what is referred to as 4/4) cedar decking. Supported by 2x8 joists 24" oc, spanning 12'. He used 2x4 joist hangers mounted on a 2x8 ledger mounted to a brick wall with what appear to be concrete nails, 2 nails every 4'. The post seem sufficient, 6x6 8' oc. (the deck is elevated 10'). There is no blocking or bracing and no hardware used to join beam to post. It is just three 2x8's nailed 1 10d staggered 24"oc sitting on top of the posts. Joists are not attached to beam and overhang by 3'. No hardware connecting ends of joist to rim joist just end nailed. Railing is 4x4 nailed to rim joist 8' oc with one 2x4 top rail (32" high) and one 2x4 spreader, thats it. Overall deck is about 15'x20' 12' high. Am I just a paranoid newbie or does this seem to be a little shoddy?
Shoddy? Yep. The 1 by is likely 5/4, the joists for 5/4 ought yo be 16" centers (unless it is IPE decking, then 24 is cool), ledger to brick with nails???!!!!! NO NO NO..is there any FLASHING????The joists do not need hangers at the outboard end, but ought to be toed to the girder at least. The Rail posts probly are not bolted w/ galve lags or carriage bolts and the posts that are on the outer joist parallel to the run of joists will wiggle if there is no blocking in the bay, the outer joist will just flex.
Sounds like yer gettin a keen eye fer the shoddy guy..good work detective, now WHO is gonna fix it all?
a LITTLE shoddy?
there weren't too many things he did right. 5/4 decking is fine but should be over framing @16"oc unless the decking is Ipe`.
no hardware is going to kill somebody if the ledger falling off the house doesn't first.
Does he know a good lawyer for when he gets sued for negligence?.
Excellence is its own reward!
Hey all,
Since I don't know squatt about bugs, here's a lawyer joke:
Your ex wife and your lawyer jump off the Empire State Building at the same time. Who lands first?.....
Who cares!!!!!
Richie
where at in norcal constructioer? I am in sonoma county and we get from time to time huge clusters of these little flies that I suspect are a kind of flying termites. i have found them on the old barn buildings, and in some locations they have done considerable damage I am certain that we do indeed have a flying termite problem here, although i doubt we will see any structure failures because of it.
dont let these guys get to you in here.
I KNEW IT>>>100....way to go guys..
C.E.S.
I read your postings in House Chat. Wow!
SamT
Hey skids, I'm in the foothills between sac and placerville. I just got back from a trip and left the new rooms un heated, suprise, no flies. I just turned on the heat will see iff they come back.
You have cluster flies. I had the pleasure of their company in my mountain cabin. They group(cluster) together in large masses-about the size of a fist or greater.They seem to hibernate,enduring sub-zero temperatures without expiring. When a heat source is available,light bulb,etc. they become active in unbelievable numbers.
They are available with or without cluster ladybugs, which are not as offensive as flies, but by their numbers equally annoying.
A professional exterminator can treat your house to get rid of these buggers. However, treatment is done in the late summer only. My bug buster told me I may need an annual treatment, but after suffering for 12 years, my cabin was cured with one treatment.
Thanks for the info, I visited my inlaws in PA and got to see the asian ladybug version of this pest.