caulking in damp cold conditions

[andyt]

I have a problem in my home and I think I'm looking for an easy fix that does not exist.

First some background. We live in Manitoba, Canada. Its been about -20c for a month now and will be for the next 3. Humidity in the house is about 30-45% depending on people showering etc etc... The front window of the house frequently has a little condensation on it at the bottom.

We have a problem with fruit flies in the house. They are obviously breeding. have been since the fall. Have been trying everything but they congregate at the front window sill. I noticed the old caulking there is cracked and the moisture is able to get into the sill. I figured this is where the flies are comig from so I recaulked the window. The top and sides were no problem, the caulking at the bottom has never cured properly, likely too damp / cold for it. I should have known better. It has now cracked apart and looks all 'sunken' in.

I need to do it again but it wont be warm and dry for at least 4 months.

Is there a caulk that I can use in such conditions? I can put a heater there and dry it out for a day or two but it will never be bone dry. Its difficult to keep it warm too. Any thoughts appreciated.

(Apart from ones that say to replace the window! Its never going to happen!)

Thanks in advance.

[Pulpo]

There are other names for it but one choice is finger caulking that comes on a roll.

[Gunguy45]

andyt re the fruitflies...they may be whats called fungus gnats...do you have potted plants?

We had massive amounts til we started using Gnatrol to eliminate them. Took about 2 months, but they're history now.

[andyt]

I'll have to look into finger caulking. Maybe thats a reasonable temp solution to close it up until the summer.

And I'm pretty sure they are fruit flies. We suspected the plants, have have got some, but we have never really found any flies near the plants. Could be wrong though. Will look into Gnatrol too.

[Bud9051]

I think the name pulpo was looking for is rope caulk.

We also had an infestation of fruit flies and they are smarter and faster than the average fly. Anyway I ended up using bottles with bait inside. Could not use sprays. Just sneak up and slip the cap on and throw it away. Ours started because my father living in an adjacent room let them get out of control. Once we removed their food supply and trapped the rest we were ok. But if they are not attracted to fruit as bait, they may be other critters as Gunguy suggests. MY the pleasures of owing a home. Some day I will tell my RAT story.

Bud

[andyt]

they might be something else, we have tried to trap them with all the usual baits, juice, wine, etc etc but they were never attracted. They are attracted to light however. I think thats why they hang out at the window. Thats why I want to seal up the caulking.

Thanks for the name anyway. Will battle on.

Rat story makes me think my problem is not as bad as some.

[zoneout]

If you are looking for a traditional style caulk that you use with a gun then you want DAP Sidewinder. It can be applied in any weather and below -20. I used it last winter and it is awesome. I believe its a silicone polymer formula and comes in a variety of colors.